#political disillusionment

[alwaysbewoke]

This obsession so many liberals and leftists have with RFK just proves that many of them are not actually paying attention to policy or political positions these candidates have. The left is supposed to be the ones that act more intelligently however moments like this really proves how much in common the left has with the right.

[worldwatcher3072]

Unraveling the Rise of Authoritarian Leaders: Understanding the Complexities

In recent years, the world has witnessed a concerning rise in authoritarian leaders, challenging the foundations of democracy and raising questions about the factors contributing to this global trend. Exploring the underlying causes behind the ascent of these leaders is crucial to fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. In this blog post, we delve into the key factors that have shaped this phenomenon and shed light on its multifaceted nature.

Economic Insecurity and Discontent: Amidst economic inequality, job insecurity, and a sense of stagnation, many people have grown disillusioned with traditional political establishments. Authoritarian leaders often capitalize on this discontent by promising swift solutions and appealing to those who feel left behind by globalization and rapid societal changes.

Political Disillusionment and Erosion of Trust: Distrust in democratic institutions, perceived corruption, and a loss of faith in political elites have fueled the rise of authoritarian leaders. As citizens become disillusioned with traditional parties, they may seek alternatives that promise stability, order, and a break from established norms.

Identity Politics and Polarization: The growing divisions along lines of ethnicity, religion, nationalism, or ideology have provided fertile ground for the rise of authoritarian leaders. By exploiting these divisions, such leaders can rally support around a particular identity or group, using fear and grievances to consolidate their power base.

Technological Disruption and Information Manipulation: The advent of social media and online platforms has transformed the information landscape. Authoritarian leaders have adeptly utilized these platforms to spread disinformation, manipulate public opinion, and amplify extremist ideologies. Such technological disruptions have played a significant role in shaping narratives and influencing political outcomes.

Geopolitical Shifts and Nationalist Sentiments: Geopolitical shifts, global power dynamics, and the erosion of international alliances have contributed to the rise of leaders promoting nationalist or isolationist agendas. Economic uncertainties, migration challenges, and perceived threats to national identity have fueled a desire for strong leaders who promise protection and sovereignty.

Weak Democratic Institutions and Concentration of Power: The weakening of democratic institutions, erosion of checks and balances, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few have facilitated the rise of authoritarian leaders. A lack of institutional robustness and limited avenues for accountability can undermine democratic norms and enable the consolidation of power.

The rise of authoritarian leaders is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that stems from a combination of economic, political, social, and technological factors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for safeguarding democratic values and promoting a more inclusive and resilient society. By addressing the economic insecurities, strengthening democratic institutions, fostering social cohesion, and promoting media literacy, we can work towards creating a more resilient democratic framework that safeguards the rights and freedoms of individuals around the world.

The rise of authoritarian leaders is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that stems from a combination of economic, political, social, and technological factors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for safeguarding democratic values and promoting a more inclusive and resilient society. By addressing the economic insecurities, strengthening democratic institutions, fostering social cohesion, and promoting media literacy, we can work towards creating a more resilient democratic framework that safeguards the rights and freedoms of individuals around the world.

Note: This blog post aims to provide a general overview of the factors contributing to the rise of authoritarian leaders and does not explore each factor in exhaustive detail.

[trendynewsnow]

Finding Community in Times of Election Anxiety

Finding Community Amidst Election Anxiety On Wednesday morning, Devon Blow, a talented illustrator and writer based in Los Angeles, shared an inspiring quote on Instagram: “I will never surrender myself to hopelessness and despair. As long as I got you, and you got me, we will be free.” Leading up to the results of Tuesday’s election, she also posted uplifting affirmations such as “We are better…

[tmarshconnors]

The Great British Conundrum

Ah, Britain my homeland a nation famed for its stiff upper lip, common sense, and a long-standing tradition of political pragmatism. But recently, I’ve found myself feeling a deep-seated shame in my country’s political trajectory, a feeling that's hard to shake. It’s like we've lost our compass and don’t know which direction to follow. To put it politely. We’ve had Conservatives elected to lead, yet, rather than implementing conservative policies, we saw them governing like liberals. And now, the Labour Party sweeping in on a wave of frustration seems dead set on imposing an outright socialist agenda. I can’t say I’m thrilled.

In a time when true conservative values should be the answer to the social and economic chaos around us, the Conservatives barely held onto their ideological roots. They became lost in a desperate attempt to appeal to everyone, trying to be all things to all people governing like moderates when they should have drawn firm lines. People expected robust action on immigration, crime, economic growth, and more, but instead, we got half-measures, compromises, and a heavy dose of liberal appeasement.

So, it’s no wonder that Labour found an easy path to power. People were tired of the Conservatives’ wavering, their failure to take a stand or implement anything truly conservative. Labour painted themselves as the refreshing alternative, promising solutions for those left disillusioned by years of fence sitting. But let’s be honest: Labour’s brand of 'solutions' isn’t designed to make Britain prosperous or independent; it’s aimed at pulling the country leftward at a startling speed. And it’s not a course correction; it’s an overhaul.

We are a country now faced with a government that believes in bigger state control, wealth redistribution, and policies that echo socialism. I am no fan of this trajectory. AT ALL! The Labour Party may be all about fairer society rhetoric, but the methods often involve policies that weaken individual freedoms, inhibit entrepreneurial spirit, and crush personal responsibility. It’s as if we’ve forgotten that a prosperous nation doesn’t come from more bureaucracy but from empowering individuals to rise, contribute, and thrive.

The political landscape of Britain has come to look like a parody of itself. Conservative leaders acting like liberals, liberal ideas embedded in every institution, and a left-wing government now preaching values antithetical to the very foundations of British life. This isn't the Britain I know, and it’s frustrating to watch.

But we must remember, as bleak as it feels now, the pendulum always swings back. There’s an audience in this country for true conservative values policies that uphold national sovereignty, encourage economic freedom, and foster individual responsibility. We can only hope that our next wave of leaders embodies those principles with conviction, not by pandering but by presenting a genuine vision for a prosperous, strong, and free Britain.

For now, I feel disillusioned and fed up. But I also know that there's a spark of resilience in this country, one that has carried it through challenges before. The British people deserve better, and I believe, eventually, we’ll find our way back.

[annabelle--cane]

jeremy heere is an "I don't really like thinking about politics but I try to be nice to people" teen and christine canigula and michael mell are two opinionated baby leftists who are going to Happen to him

[tinystepsforward]

[mariocki]

Play for Today: The Cry (BBC, 1984)

"It's best forgotten about."

"You're not gonna be making a complaint?"

"Complaints? We're not making any complaints! We don't want to know about any complaints."

"Complaints against who?"

"Well, the police."

"Who should I complain to about the police?"

"Well, the police, I suppose."

"What good would that do me?"

[nickfowlerrr]

i love chappell roan 🫶🏻

[bright-and-burning]

what the actual fuck is uk athletics on. like what do you mean “setting tough standards helps improve performance levels” my brother in christ you are refusing to take athletes who have qualified for the olympics to the olympics. and there are a NUMBER of examples this year of people who did qualify (including a woman whose best throw this season would have placed her 6th at the last olympics) but weren’t selected. what kind of logic is it that having teammates that don’t make it out of early rounds is going to bring performance down? how do you know that being selected for the olympics isn’t going to inspire crazy PRs, like molly seidel getting bronze at the 2020 olympics in her third ever marathon? you know what country always takes the absolute maximum number of athletes in track and field, even when that means people are going to get eliminated in round 1? team usa. you know what country has the most medals in track and field? team usa.

there’s a lot of complaints abt how the us olympic trials works whenever a big name goes out in a shocking or tragic way but jesus christ at least we avoid all this bullshit. if you make it, you make it; top three at the trials and you’ve qualified, congrats, you’re an olympian. none of this qualifying but arbitrarily not getting selected nonsense.

[alwaysbewoke]

and i don't feel a lick of sorry for this dude smfh.

[trendynewsnow]

The Illusion of the American Dream in Las Vegas

The allure of the American dream has sparkled brightly in Las Vegas for as long as the city has been a beacon of hope and opportunity. This promise of a stable middle-class life has drawn countless would-be homeowners from California, enthusiastic sun-seekers from the East Coast, and immigrants from around the globe. However, for many voters in this vibrant city, that dream now feels like a mere…

[tmarshconnors]

Labour Party Landslide Imminent..

As the political landscape continues to shift and evolve, there's a growing sense of déjà vu reminiscent of the historic 1997 General Election. Back then, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Tony Blair, achieved a monumental landslide victory, ending 18 years of Conservative rule. Fast forward to the present day, and many political pundits are speculating whether we're on the brink of witnessing a similar political upheaval.

The current state of affairs certainly seems to be favouring the Labour Party. Which I am wholeheartedly against but let’s face simple facts with widespread dissatisfaction over the Conservative government's handling of various issues ranging from the economy to english channel migrant crossings, there's a palpable sense of disillusionment among voters. I mean they don’t even act like “proper” conservatives. In all truth I can’t tell them apart anymore. Cause let’s face it we obviously are locked in a two party system for the foreseeable future.

As I have gotten older I won’t lie I have grown extremely cynical about politics and yes I do have some very strong views by some. I have always quoted the great classical Greek philosopher Plato “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” But here’s the sad blunt truth is my party the Conservative Party have been in power longer than any party since the war. We need to show that we are not stagnating, that we are capable of self-renewal sadly that isn’t happening at all. It’s making me question. “Why should I bother to vote anymore?”

Furthermore, the Conservative Party's internal divisions and scandals have further eroded confidence in their ability to govern effectively. From controversies surrounding leadership decisions to accusations of cronyism and corruption, the Tories are grappling with internal strife that threatens to undermine their electoral prospects. Against this backdrop, Labour appears as a beacon of stability and integrity, offering a viable alternative to the status quo. I feel no compunction at all they have well and truly brought all of this upon themselves.

Another crucial factor working in Labour's favour is the shifting demographics of the electorate. As younger, more diverse voters come of age, they bring with them a set of values and priorities that align closely with Labour's progressive platform. Issues such as climate change, social equality, and healthcare resonate strongly with this demographic, providing Labour with a natural advantage in winning their support. Younger voters most seem to be very naive about politics.

Of course, it's important to acknowledge that predicting election outcomes is always fraught with uncertainty. Political landscapes can change rapidly, and unforeseen events or developments could alter the trajectory of the race. Nevertheless, if current trends persist, it's not difficult to envision a scenario where Labour secures a landslide victory reminiscent of 1997. I mean I could be wrong and maybe just maybe the Conservatives will be reelected to power.

In conclusion, the parallels between the present moment and the historic 1997 General Election are striking. The writing is on the wall. With the Labour Party gaining momentum and the Conservative Party facing mounting challenges, the stage seems set for a seismic shift in British politics. While nothing is certain in politics, one thing is clear: the winds of change are blowing, and come election day, we may witness a decisive mandate for Labour that reshapes the course of the nation. As for myself when the time comes. I shall be voting for the Reform Party led by Richard Tice.

One more thing…

Never forget that exercising your right to vote are crucial steps toward making a difference. I firmly believe in that.

[helpfulbug]

ok but I genuinely like the last chapter of yyh manga soooo much.....yes ppl die but the world goes on!! it doesn't matter if yusuke and keiko start dating they're friend forever!!!

[fursasaida]

This article is from 2022, but it came up in the context of Palestine:

Here are some striking passages, relevant to all colonial aftermaths but certainly also to the forms we see Zionist reaction taking at the moment:

Over the decade I lived in South Africa, I became fascinated by this white minority [i.e. the whole white population post-apartheid as a minority in the country], particularly its members who considered themselves progressive. They reminded me of my liberal peers in America, who had an apparently self-assured enthusiasm about the coming of a so-called majority-minority nation. As with white South Africans who had celebrated the end of apartheid, their enthusiasm often belied, just beneath the surface, a striking degree of fear, bewilderment, disillusionment, and dread.

[...]

Yet these progressives’ response to the end of apartheid was ambivalent. Contemplating South Africa after apartheid, an Economist correspondent observed that “the lives of many whites exude sadness.” The phenomenon perplexed him. In so many ways, white life remained more or less untouched, or had even improved. Despite apartheid’s horrors—and the regime’s violence against those who worked to dismantle it—the ANC encouraged an attitude of forgiveness. It left statues of Afrikaner heroes standing and helped institute the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which granted amnesty to some perpetrators of apartheid-era political crimes.

But as time wore on, even wealthy white South Africans began to radiate a degree of fear and frustration that did not match any simple economic analysis of their situation. A startling number of formerly anti-apartheid white people began to voice bitter criticisms of post-apartheid society. An Afrikaner poet who did prison time under apartheid for aiding the Black-liberation cause wrote an essay denouncing the new Black-led country as “a sewer of betrayed expectations and thievery, fear and unbridled greed.”

What accounted for this disillusionment? Many white South Africans told me that Black forgiveness felt like a slap on the face. By not acting toward you as you acted toward us, we’re showing you up, white South Africans seemed to hear. You’ll owe us a debt of gratitude forever.

The article goes on to discuss:

"Mau Mau anxiety," or the fear among whites of violent repercussions, and how this shows up in reported vs confirmed crime stats - possibly to the point of false memories of home invasion

A sense of irrelevance and alienation among this white population, leading to another anxiety: "do we still belong here?"

The sublimation of this anxiety into self-identification as a marginalized minority group, featuring such incredible statements as "I wanted to fight for Afrikaners, but I came to think of myself as a ‘liberal internationalist,’ not a white racist...I found such inspiration from the struggles of the Catalonians and the Basques. Even Tibet" and "[Martin Luther] King [Jr.] also fought for a people without much political representation … That’s why I consider him one of my most important forebears and heroes,” from a self-declared liberal environmentalist who also thinks Afrikaaners should take back government control because they are "naturally good" at governance

Some discussion of the dynamics underlying these reactions, particularly the fact that "admitting past sins seem[ed] to become harder even as they receded into history," and US parallels

And finally, in closing:

The Afrikaner journalist Rian Malan, who opposed apartheid, has written that, by most measures, its aftermath went better than almost any white person could have imagined. But, as with most white progressives, his experience of post-1994 South Africa has been complicated. [...]

He just couldn’t forgive Black people for forgiving him. Paradoxically, being left undisturbed served as an ever-present reminder of his guilt, of how wrongly he had treated his maid and other Black people under apartheid. “The Bible was right about a thing or two,” he wrote. “It is infinitely worse to receive than to give, especially if … the gift is mercy.”

[qhazuban]

thoughts as i read "savage tongues" by azareen van der vliet oloomi, part 1

I’ve started reading “Savage Tongues” by Azareen van der Vliet Oloomi, but I think I’m too burdened by my jaded knowledge of the literary world to enjoy it. I will try to keep reading, but mostly it’s confusing — everything is overly stated and repetitive and politically stated in such a way that appeals to a certain postmodern intellectual zeitgeist or something.

I mean. I guess it’s just… I don’t subscribe to the “show don’t tell” orthodoxy per se, but surely sometimes things do need to be “told” a little less? ugh. I can’t tell if I’ve just grown out of a certain literary illusion or if I’m too steeped in my own bitterness. Maybe the book gets better? But just reading interviews with her, and skipping through the book a little — it doesn’t look like it.

Maybe I’m just jealous, as I always am of these cross-cultural, fraught at the intersection of history, tortured POC writers who do and do not remind me of myself. My father’s jadedness slips into my own as I remain too overwhelmed and fatigued and bitter and traumatized and unsupported to be able to pursue an artist/writer career myself. Ugh, I’m writing this in the same way, too, but that’s part of it — surely a novel needs to be different than a blog / social media post? Then again, I’m reminded of [my professor's] comments on my more recent attempts at fiction writing — how I can spend a lot of time on exposition, more poetically, and after all I am more trained as a poet, but there is more that’s needed too. It’s just confusing.

It doesn’t help that Oloomi was also inspired by Butler’s “Precarious Life” and such while writing “Savage Tongues,” and how I always come back to that text too (especially “Violence, Mourning, Politics”). I feel inescapably stuck in my own spite and mourning. I can’t stand these worlds, the elitism of it all, the utter pretence, all these things I longed for and still do long for. I can’t go to any of the events, show up and socialize/network / act the writer’s norm, it’s all just too much. So much for literature, for art — what’s the point if community just remains an elusive foolish dream.

[quotesfromall]

It was the general opinion of the gathering that the confusion and ruin which resulted were due to that policy. It robbed the old bourgeoisie but did not benefit the workers. The Doctor cited his sanatorium as an illustration. When the Bolsheviki took it over they declared that the proletariat was to own and enjoy the place, but not a single worker had since been received as patient, not even a proletarian Communist. The people the Soviet sent to the sanatorium were members of the new bureaucracy, usually the high officials.

Emma Goldman, My Further Disillusionment in Russia