The best Medium essay I've read in 2025! I hope my 50 claps moves it further into more exposure.
One thing I liked about this essay is that it exposes the reader to so much psychology behind political movements--from any side of the political spectrum. In other words, we can all fall into the same trap!
And yes, MAGA and Trump supporters cannot let go of their errant ideology because they would lose so much of their social circle. Making such a big break this is extremely hard, even for normal people. Cognitive dissonance is a serious force here.
And I believe that this demographic believes it will rise higher in the new American pecking order. That is another reason for Magans' continued support of the movement, even though--deep down inside--many know it is wrong and will hurt a lot of people.
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Our democracies were designed without the knowledge of psychology and sociology that we have today. For example, the election of Donald Trump shows an utter failure of this 19th century social engineering tool. Countries around the world will have to adjust to this new reality. And this real reality could spawn other social/political movements.
As you know, I have been promoting an alternative democracy on Medium. While I would consider myself as only an amateur amateur in the fields of psychology and sociology, I believe the TDG will handle the failings we have as humans, yet still rise above these failings.
For example, Magans can still vote in the TDG, but their votes will not place someone like Donald Trump into high office. Because the TDG decisions are more thoughtful and beneficial, the Magans will not see much of a need to revolt. In time, much of the Magan thinking will go away.
The USA is going through great political turmoil right now. If it manages to survive as a democracy, the best it can hope for is something similar to pre-2016. But that condition only led to where the USA is today. The USA--and the rest of the world--need something better than that.
So what are the psychology reasons why Medium readers cannot investigate my ideas?
