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Funtatlaguy

(10,856 posts)
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:09 PM Aug 2020

I grew up with and around these vile bigoted people.

I read so many posts here and elsewhere on social media by well meaning progressives that say we should just reach out and try to understand Trump supporters.
That is a lofty goal.
And that might sometimes work with logical, rational people.
But these people are not that.

Here’s who they are.
Here’s who I grew up with and around in the South. (I’m sure it’s true elsewhere also).
They have been taught that being different is bad.
Being black, brown, gay, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim, etc. is bad.
No, not just bad, evil.
They are raised in churches just as much as they are by parents.
And, in these churches, is always a strong, loud, man of authority that they will not question.
They live in fear of what is taught to be a fearful and vengeful God.
They fear this God more than anything else.
They fear Hell and missing out on Heaven more than anything else.
And, in these churches, they are taught not to question but only obey their religious teachings.
That teaching means a bleached son of a God that looks white like them.
But, the teachings of Jesus to care for the meek (who shall inherit the earth and walked with the poor and diseased) are suppressed and they cherry pick biblical passages (generally Old Testament) to promote the views that an all Powerful white male “Christian” Authoritarian society is the only one worth having, living, and promoting.

So, how does that extend to politics?
Because they have successfully defined the Democrat’s as the “other”.
The bad, no, the evil people that must be avoided at all costs.
That’s why so many stay in rural areas and/or avoid colleges where they will meet diversity.
Why? Because they might actually like some of these new people or, worse yet, their evil communistic views might rub off on them.

Of course, these people have been USED by corporate America.
The greedy have no use for these people that they consider to be uneducated rubes.
Except they do have ONE use for them.
Their votes.
Feed their love for authoritarianism by saying how greed is good. (The prosperity gospel philosophy).
Don’t you want to be rich too?
Just follow the rules and, if you continue to vote Republican, you might get there someday.
Of course, they’d have a much better chance to get rich by playing the lottery every day.

So, can we beat them?
Yes. There are still more of us than them.
But, we don’t need to waste our time trying to move their minds full of mush that keeps getting fueled in their churches and by right wing hate radio and Fox News.
Instead, We must find and register and motivate more of our people to vote and get politically involved.
We have no more mulligans.
We can’t lose another election.
This ONE is the whole ball game for Our democracy to survive.


34 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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I grew up with and around these vile bigoted people. (Original Post) Funtatlaguy Aug 2020 OP
Much better chance of keeping your soul, dignity and self-respect as well! Anon-C Aug 2020 #1
It's not just the South MustLoveBeagles Aug 2020 #2
California and New York State are ... Whiskeytide Aug 2020 #10
I have work on campaigns in six states. nycbos Aug 2020 #16
Agreed about the lack of enlightenment ... Whiskeytide Aug 2020 #20
Not only North vs South... nycbos Aug 2020 #21
Do you think Jones as any chance? nycbos Aug 2020 #24
Unfortunately, not really. The polling is ... Whiskeytide Aug 2020 #26
The electoral college is giving too much power to the rural populations mdbl Aug 2020 #33
I mean no disrespect to Southerners MustLoveBeagles Aug 2020 #30
Go about 40 miles out of Seattle and you see it. plimsoll Aug 2020 #28
My hubby and I went to Seattle to visit a friend 20 years ago MustLoveBeagles Aug 2020 #31
Uneducable! SheltieLover Aug 2020 #3
One at a time. gibraltar72 Aug 2020 #4
Perfectly written. I grew up in the same cesspool. These people's minds can NOT be reached or BamaRefugee Aug 2020 #5
Yes to the femininity part. They believe Women are weak and not to be followed. Funtatlaguy Aug 2020 #13
considering the fact that only 3% of the voters Dukkha Aug 2020 #6
I too was raised with them. And you are spot on. GulfCoast66 Aug 2020 #7
There is a difference between republicans ... Whiskeytide Aug 2020 #8
They have lived under authoritarian regimes since childhood. LastDemocratInSC Aug 2020 #9
I think it is an utter waste of time to try to convince Trumpists to change their minds The Genealogist Aug 2020 #11
Exactly Funtatlaguy Aug 2020 #14
well said! mdbl Aug 2020 #34
In some parts of the South misanthrope Aug 2020 #12
I was going to post that what the OP said about Mr.Bill Aug 2020 #23
I was raised Catholic, although I only went to Catholic school for kindergarten and first grade. PoindexterOglethorpe Aug 2020 #25
I've been trying to understand Trump supporters. Initech Aug 2020 #15
You were definitely right we will never win a majority of them. nycbos Aug 2020 #17
Agree! UCmeNdc Aug 2020 #18
There is no reasoning with them, and NameAlreadyTaken Aug 2020 #19
I was raised to be tolerant and not think my Muslim, oriental friends were lesser people. Karadeniz Aug 2020 #22
so true mdbl Aug 2020 #27
You nailed it! Richard58 Aug 2020 #29
You and I had similar upbringings. Bad memories. Glad we both escaped. Funtatlaguy Aug 2020 #32

Whiskeytide

(4,459 posts)
10. California and New York State are ...
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:34 PM
Aug 2020

... teeming with Тяцмрers. They’re just outnumbered by the large metropolitan populations. Тяцмрism is more much pervasive than you think.

nycbos

(6,033 posts)
16. I have work on campaigns in six states.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 09:28 PM
Aug 2020

I can tell you without a doubt the most racist place I have ever been is Boston. I am a Jewish guy from NYC but I have red hair so everyone thinks I am Irish. People in Boston felt after bowl being racist around me and I couldn't respond the way I wanted to because if I did I would've been fired on the spot.

I also was a life insurance agent for a short period of time, which would quired some trips to Staten Island. It wasn't as bad as Boston but it was a similar experience. Not everyone who lives in a large metropolitan population is enlightened.

Whiskeytide

(4,459 posts)
20. Agreed about the lack of enlightenment ...
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 09:48 PM
Aug 2020

... everywhere. I’m in and from Alabama. It really is bad here. A lot of Тяцмрers, especially in the sticks. But most of my republican friends really are good people. Many of them voted for Тяцмр in 2016, but despise him now, and deeply regret that vote. That encourages me. I’m not under any illusion that they will change their policy views, but at least they recognize that he’s a dick, and he’s hi jacked their party (with the help of the deplorables).

Someone here posted an opinion piece a couple of moths ago that said it’s more of a rural v metro divide rather than North v South or coasts v flyover. I thought that was spot on.

nycbos

(6,033 posts)
21. Not only North vs South...
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 10:22 PM
Aug 2020

... I would say it transcends international borders. I will give you an example. If you take me a person from Toronto, a dairy farmer from the North country of New York, and a farmer from rural Ontario, I guarantee you I will have more in common with the person from Toronto even though the farmer from upstate New York is my fellow countrymen and we live in the same state. The big city experience versus rule experience is a huge chasm.

Bill Maher did a segment about this very subject when it appeared that Trump was getting along better with Pelosi and Schumer. He made the point that Schumer and Pelosi are big city people and that's why Trump relates to them more.

Whiskeytide

(4,459 posts)
26. Unfortunately, not really. The polling is ...
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 10:49 PM
Aug 2020

... pretty discouraging. Even most of the anti-Тяцмрers will still vote republican down ballot. And with it being a presidential cycle, the pro-Тяцмрers will come out to vote. Black women pulled it off last time, but it’s still a tough road in Alabama when your opponent is not a known pedophile.

But at least one of them told me at lunch last week that he (and his wife) would vote for Jones. He said “I never liked that Tubberville guy as a coach, I sure as hell don’t want him as my senator.” So I’m pulling for him.

It’s a shame. Jones really is a pretty good guy. I may work a polling site for his campaign if I’m not asked to go to FL or GA.

mdbl

(4,972 posts)
33. The electoral college is giving too much power to the rural populations
Fri Aug 28, 2020, 07:07 AM
Aug 2020

They should not be dictating so much for their state.

plimsoll

(1,664 posts)
28. Go about 40 miles out of Seattle and you see it.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 10:57 PM
Aug 2020

It may not be a rural vs. urban thing, but rural seems to be the sweet spot.

Signs on cars, signs in yards. Not so much Trump, but the local versions of Trump.

Remember we have (had) Matt Shea, and the guy running for governor isn't much different as far as I can tell.

One thing that was brought up was the demand for absolute conformity. It's harder to hide in small communities, there are probably lots of people who don't %100 align. I think they leave so the diversity of thought/opinion/behavior gets smaller and smaller. Simultaneously they like to call liberals "sheeple." That contradiction makes my head hurt.

But the original post left out violent. The eliminationist rhetoric keeps escalating, and these folks will act on it.

MustLoveBeagles

(11,563 posts)
31. My hubby and I went to Seattle to visit a friend 20 years ago
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 11:32 PM
Aug 2020

She told us that the interior of the state was very different than Seattle and Spokane. I've never been that good at conformity.

BamaRefugee

(3,476 posts)
5. Perfectly written. I grew up in the same cesspool. These people's minds can NOT be reached or
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:23 PM
Aug 2020

changed. No more reaching across the aisle, they see that as a totally feminine trait, and therefore a sign of the greatest weakness.
If we gain power we have to be LOUD and FEARLESS and lead what I can only describe as a scorched earth policy of benevolence.
The only power they respect is power that refuses to budge one inch for them.
Look at my DU screen name to understand where I’m coming from.

Dukkha

(7,341 posts)
6. considering the fact that only 3% of the voters
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:25 PM
Aug 2020

Will decide the election, I couldn't care less about reaching out to Deplorables. Their minds are changed less than their underpants. Seriously fuck them all they will never matter.

GulfCoast66

(11,949 posts)
7. I too was raised with them. And you are spot on.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:28 PM
Aug 2020

They go to churches that dominate their life even though the are rife with sexual abuse.

They are taught they are among the select few god has favored and that Satan is always after them and they should have nothing to do with anyone not like them.

Comprising is impossible for them because their entire world view is about good(them) vs Evil(everyone else). So they see political compromises as selling out god.

The good news is that many of the young are rejecting this view as they are exposed to other viewpoints. I did it years ago but it was not common as it is now.

Whiskeytide

(4,459 posts)
8. There is a difference between republicans ...
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:28 PM
Aug 2020

... and Тяцмр supporters. Many republicans are decent people who can be reasoned with. I can disagree with their political positions but still like them and enjoy their company. The LP and RVATs are this sort.

Current Тяцмр supporters, however, are a lost cause at this point. Anyone who still supports him now is either very, very stupid or an asshole.

The Genealogist

(4,723 posts)
11. I think it is an utter waste of time to try to convince Trumpists to change their minds
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:45 PM
Aug 2020

Decades of RW radio and Faux news have poisoned the discourse beyond repair. They are too brainwashed and ignorant to see that they are being exploited by a handful of rich and powerful people who want infinite wealth and power for themselves.

misanthrope

(7,405 posts)
12. In some parts of the South
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 08:54 PM
Aug 2020

the Catholics have just as many holy-rollin' bigoted right wingers as anyone else does. I know, because I'm related to a bunch.

Mr.Bill

(24,103 posts)
23. I was going to post that what the OP said about
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 10:29 PM
Aug 2020

god, religion, heaven, hell, authoritarianism, etc. was exactly what they threw at me in my first six years in Catholic school. Now I became an Atheist before my age hit double digits, but I continued through the sixth grade in Catholic school to keep my parents happy. I was even an altar boy. I will also say aside from the religious dogma, it was a quality primary education and serves me well to this day.

But while reading the OP, I wondered what was different about me that made me rebel from all their bullshit? What made me question what they were saying when others didn't? And at such a young age while I still attended their indoctrinations? It's a question I often ponder and will probably take to my grave with me. One hint is I always asked more questions than the other kids. I could not understand that not just some, but most of the kids never asked any questions.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
25. I was raised Catholic, although I only went to Catholic school for kindergarten and first grade.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 10:47 PM
Aug 2020

But I can remember being very puzzled by what I was being taught, and it didn't really make sense to me. I stopped going to mass by the time I graduated from high school, after lots of fights with my mother.

To this day I am constantly bothered by the implicit duty to simply obey, never to question or think independently. It's also what's wrong with the military and police.

Initech

(99,912 posts)
15. I've been trying to understand Trump supporters.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 09:05 PM
Aug 2020

But I just can't. I just do not get what people see in this man. He is the most grotesque, slovenly, mean, rude, and crude excuse of a man who has ever become president. The people who support him? They're cult members and he is their leader. You just can't reason with cult members, short of deprogramming them.

nycbos

(6,033 posts)
17. You were definitely right we will never win a majority of them.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 09:32 PM
Aug 2020

However, what I think we can do is place a slight puncture in the bubble that they live in if we reached out to them. If you take a rural county that goes 70-30 Republican and loses 60-40 instead that's a huge swing in our direction and in certain districts that can make the difference of flipping a seat.

NameAlreadyTaken

(958 posts)
19. There is no reasoning with them, and
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 09:46 PM
Aug 2020

there is no full understanding of them. They have already been completely brainwashed by religion, FOX news, Rush Limbaugh and corporate America. They are beyond hope of any change.

Karadeniz

(22,269 posts)
22. I was raised to be tolerant and not think my Muslim, oriental friends were lesser people.
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 10:29 PM
Aug 2020

After reading some of these posts about how you were raised and the racist places you've lived in, I think you all are such strong, good people to have cast off the pettiness and developed into bigger people. I'm so glad we have a forum where we can hear from others who aren't disabled by hate. ❤❤❤

Richard58

(239 posts)
29. You nailed it!
Thu Aug 27, 2020, 11:22 PM
Aug 2020

I grew up in a rural part of Pa. Everyone around me was conservative, white and Christian. I was raised an Evangelical. I was told to fear the "other" because "they" were evil. And who was "the other"? Secularists, Muslims, gays, foreigners, communists, liberals and anyone whose skin was darker than a paper bag. They were all out to get us you see. We being the patriotic, God-fearing real Americans. They want to destroy America. I was raised to distrust anyone not exactly like me. It was a messed up way to be raised.
But fortunately after college I lived in a big city and got to meet people from all over with diverse lifestyles. It changed me for the better! I am now a progressive atheist! But my friends and family back in my hometown are still stuck in that mindset and it is very hard to try to get them out of it. They have been brainwashed by Fox News, talk radio and their preachers. So I have given up trying to change their minds. To them Trump is GOD and no amount of facts and logic can dissuade them. It really is sad.

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