Hello from Sweden.
I've been a silent observer on this forum for many years, feeling the
ocean — both literal and political — that separates us. But with
recent events in the US, particularly the re-election of Trump, I feel
compelled to share my thoughts. This time, it's personal. While many
are currently upset, my intention is not to incite anger or
misunderstandings, and I apologize if my emotional writing leads to
such.
As a parent of adult children, I've noticed them occasionally echoing
MAGA talking points. I'm openly critical and vocal about my
disagreement, but it feels like fighting an uphill battle against a
sea of misinformation and bot accounts. It's quite stressful,
affecting my sleep and giving me headaches. My children are becoming
collateral damage in the US cultural wars, and its making me physically
ill.
Working in tech has given me an understanding of how manipulative
systems function. Years ago, I chose not to work for 'big tech' due to
its moral downfall, leaving me with a rather depressing view of that
domain.
In Sweden, we've strived for a long-standing compromise balancing
workers' and capital interests. Our social safety nets are supported
across party lines, even by the hard right, showing the world won’t
collapse under healthcare for all or strong unions. But this balance
only holds when society upholds principles of dignity in work and
equality in value.
Now, our society faces propaganda attacks, bankrolled by Russia and
figures like Elon Musk, whose shift from a potential visionary to a
deceitful figure has eroded the social consensus we've built. While I
never bought into his persona, it's heartbreaking how his actions now
threaten parenting for those simply trying to do their best.
The unfortunate reality is that even our swedish hard-right politicians, after
trips to the US to learn voter manipulation, returned disillusioned by
the MAGA movement’s tactics. Intelligence used for malice benefits no
one, not even those wielding it.
For those of us wanting a better world for our children and ourselves,
we must address the right-wing propaganda juggernaut. It may be
difficult, but it’s not impossible. Relationships with social media
can change; the younger generation frequently shifts
platforms. Creating new social networks is technically
straightforward, though user adoption is the challenge. We must resist
the divisive strategies of 'divide and conquer' favored by the right
and instead find common ground to stand together, much like we've
succeeded in the past.
Thanks for reading — let's strive for a brighter future.
