What’s missing in this cogent (read it!) analysis of faux ‘strength’ is that it is central to the myth of (male?) Americanism put forth by (‘liberal’) Hollywood: the Clint Eastwood cowboy or avenger, going it “alone” with no show of inner turmoil much less inner REFLECTION.
https://twitter.com/BillKristol/status/1312830315254120451
And that myth ... the loner who dispenses violence in judgement... ties directly to Reagan’s mythology, which Trump plagiarized with MAGA.
theguardian.com/books/2013/mar…
theguardian.com/books/2013/mar…
Ironically: “Cattle herding was no place for free thinkers or independent minds. Like any other industrial-age enterprise, the cattle drive was built around guiding principles of centralized control, monotonous routines, and a disciplined labor force.” saturdayeveningpost.com/2020/01/the-ma…
An external “uniform of strength” represented as “tough” words steeped in violence (battle, war) is antithetical to any show of empathy (true leadership, which includes Jesus, whether or not he is myth). It is antithetical to inner life, much less inner growth.
But it’s easier to block off emotions and “soldier on” using whatever tool distracts from any nagging unease. Alcohol, drugs, sex (Trump), affairs (Trump), movies, spectator sports (Trump), TV (Trump), social media ‘addiction’ (Trump) ... an incomplete list of escape options.
Escape, delving into internal life is hard. Scary. Frustratingly ongoing. As is exploring a spiritual life (contrasted with pro forma ‘religion as another uniform’).
This requires free thinking. It requires introspection. It is the antithesis of true ‘cow herding.’
This requires free thinking. It requires introspection. It is the antithesis of true ‘cow herding.’
Given the rugged individualist myth (A MYTH: western explorers relied on one another & native Americans + western colonists relied on one another, see barn raising) which has permeated culture for decades. It has morphed into true belief via political propaganda.
The myth of self reliance dovetails with the myth of ‘good things happen if you’re good’ and the converse but that’s for another day.
This essay from @conversationus is worth your time theconversation.com/the-wealthy-su… As is this one from Patheos patheos.com/blogs/irreveri…
This essay from @conversationus is worth your time theconversation.com/the-wealthy-su… As is this one from Patheos patheos.com/blogs/irreveri…
Kudos to @BulwarkOnline and @Timodc h/t @BillKristol (what a crazy four years that has had me reading Bill daily)
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