It's ironic that the fundamental idea of Manifest Destiny goes totally opposite to the basic idea of "blood and soil" that fundaments Nazi and other nativist ideologies (Blut und Boden - Richard Walther Darré) . Manifest Destiny, as captured by John Gast in his painting, is something that is NOT related to blood & soil, but something that comes from distant places, carrying with it the seeds of "civilization", to be dispersed over "savage" lands. Manifest Destiny then is about an abstract concept, contrary to blood & soil, which are entities of the physical world people live in. Manifest Destiny, at least in this vision, should embrace all peoples, from different cultures and histories, under the same umbrella. Umbrella that we call Democracy. In fact, there is a clear contradiction there, but so it seems to be with Democracy - a framework to deal with contradictions in society. The contradiction comes from the combination of an all-encompassing "civilizational" entity, with the removal of peoples from their land. Native peoples are the only ones that have a right to invoke blood & soil ideologies. Manifest Destiny, then, as usually understood, is basically an oxymoron.
Literally sickening. Yet this probably won't motivate people to vote in the mid-terms. They're just proud to sacrifice their children and their lives on the altar of the Trump cult, and they will continue to praise his holy name, as he slits their throats.
What do you tell a family member "looking in to joining ICE?" He's looking for a career change. He's not white, he too old to get into federal law enforcement any other way.
The term "woke" originated in Black American culture, first appearing in the early 20th century as a call to remain alert to racial prejudice and discrimination. It re-entered the popular lexicon through Erykah Badu's 2008 song "Master Teacher" and gained broader use with the #StayWoke hashtag during the Black Lives Matter movement in the 2010s, referring to awareness of social injustices. The term has since been co-opted, particularly by some conservatives, and is often used as a derogatory pejorative for socially liberal views or policies.
This is one of the finest explanations and contextualizations of Trump's appeal and tactics I've ever read. It is sure to become a guiding light for those of us who've become not only angry but appalled--soul sick about what's happening. It might have been predictable--in fact, I've been expecting something of the sort as our country shifts demographically and culturally away from the comfortable for some rich while male patriarchy of its beginnings toward a more inclusive and truly democratic state, but even so, the sheer audacity and cruelty of this reactive panic is so repellent. And yet, and yet, forewarned is forearmed. Many thanks.
Sadopopulism explains a lot. IMHO it's similar to when the bullied becoming bullies, the abused becoming abusers. On steroids.
Takeaway is I'll keep RESISTING, having empathy and compassion. I'll help publicly share how Agent Orange is violating his Oath of Office as much as possible. I'll protest in person when I'm able. I'll still be human.
I am SO sorry. This is a great piece of work and I totally blew sharing it yesterday, even after hyping it on Wednesday. So I shared it today! Faboo and Blewski
Thank you for this essay with the historical references. It's imperative that we maintain empathy and compassion in our everyday interactions. Ridicule and cruelty will escalate in a vicious cycle if we don't.
This is a kakistocracy, i.e., rule by the worst possible people. And what they engage in on a daily basis to their own people is really no different than a hazing ritual during hell week in any college fraternity.
The pledge class endures it to get into the fraternity, and while it is going on they claim that things will change when they become brothers. Of course they are completely full of shit, as what actually happens is that when they have the power, the hazing gets even worse.
Whoa Jay, what a post! I was nauseous reading this, and had to take it in three doses. Not sure how you endured to do the research for this, though I know you track it all up front. But still! Thank you so much for all you do to keep us awake. Such an important post!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I'm always thinking about my next protest sign. You are encouraging me to express empathy . . . In every sign. Fortunately it's already a preference of mine, but now I will hone that. Thank you for this amazing work and being willing to let your own heart hurt.💔
It's ironic that the fundamental idea of Manifest Destiny goes totally opposite to the basic idea of "blood and soil" that fundaments Nazi and other nativist ideologies (Blut und Boden - Richard Walther Darré) . Manifest Destiny, as captured by John Gast in his painting, is something that is NOT related to blood & soil, but something that comes from distant places, carrying with it the seeds of "civilization", to be dispersed over "savage" lands. Manifest Destiny then is about an abstract concept, contrary to blood & soil, which are entities of the physical world people live in. Manifest Destiny, at least in this vision, should embrace all peoples, from different cultures and histories, under the same umbrella. Umbrella that we call Democracy. In fact, there is a clear contradiction there, but so it seems to be with Democracy - a framework to deal with contradictions in society. The contradiction comes from the combination of an all-encompassing "civilizational" entity, with the removal of peoples from their land. Native peoples are the only ones that have a right to invoke blood & soil ideologies. Manifest Destiny, then, as usually understood, is basically an oxymoron.
Literally sickening. Yet this probably won't motivate people to vote in the mid-terms. They're just proud to sacrifice their children and their lives on the altar of the Trump cult, and they will continue to praise his holy name, as he slits their throats.
What do you tell a family member "looking in to joining ICE?" He's looking for a career change. He's not white, he too old to get into federal law enforcement any other way.
Italy exit from fascism whit the blood of partisans. Germany exit from Nazism whit the blood of American, Canadian and UK.
I suppose we can anticipate only white Christians having access to the limited food and water resources soon.
The term "woke" originated in Black American culture, first appearing in the early 20th century as a call to remain alert to racial prejudice and discrimination. It re-entered the popular lexicon through Erykah Badu's 2008 song "Master Teacher" and gained broader use with the #StayWoke hashtag during the Black Lives Matter movement in the 2010s, referring to awareness of social injustices. The term has since been co-opted, particularly by some conservatives, and is often used as a derogatory pejorative for socially liberal views or policies.
This is one of the finest explanations and contextualizations of Trump's appeal and tactics I've ever read. It is sure to become a guiding light for those of us who've become not only angry but appalled--soul sick about what's happening. It might have been predictable--in fact, I've been expecting something of the sort as our country shifts demographically and culturally away from the comfortable for some rich while male patriarchy of its beginnings toward a more inclusive and truly democratic state, but even so, the sheer audacity and cruelty of this reactive panic is so repellent. And yet, and yet, forewarned is forearmed. Many thanks.
Sadopopulism explains a lot. IMHO it's similar to when the bullied becoming bullies, the abused becoming abusers. On steroids.
Takeaway is I'll keep RESISTING, having empathy and compassion. I'll help publicly share how Agent Orange is violating his Oath of Office as much as possible. I'll protest in person when I'm able. I'll still be human.
You interested in talking with a mutual aid group on the front lines with immigrants in Sacramento?
I am SO sorry. This is a great piece of work and I totally blew sharing it yesterday, even after hyping it on Wednesday. So I shared it today! Faboo and Blewski
Thank you for this essay with the historical references. It's imperative that we maintain empathy and compassion in our everyday interactions. Ridicule and cruelty will escalate in a vicious cycle if we don't.
Thanks for this important post!
This is a kakistocracy, i.e., rule by the worst possible people. And what they engage in on a daily basis to their own people is really no different than a hazing ritual during hell week in any college fraternity.
The pledge class endures it to get into the fraternity, and while it is going on they claim that things will change when they become brothers. Of course they are completely full of shit, as what actually happens is that when they have the power, the hazing gets even worse.
Thank you, Jay! Your detailed explanation of Sadopopulism, is much appreciated. I am keeping and sharing this with my Liberal friends 🧡
Whoa Jay, what a post! I was nauseous reading this, and had to take it in three doses. Not sure how you endured to do the research for this, though I know you track it all up front. But still! Thank you so much for all you do to keep us awake. Such an important post!!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I'm always thinking about my next protest sign. You are encouraging me to express empathy . . . In every sign. Fortunately it's already a preference of mine, but now I will hone that. Thank you for this amazing work and being willing to let your own heart hurt.💔