I just came across an article I wrote in 2019 about the populist instinct to celebrate provincialism and ignorance as "authentically American" traits while intimating that curiosity about the world beyond America--and education--are unpatriotic. claireberlinski.substack.com/p/i-hereby-ris… 
https://twitter.com/ClaireBerlinski/status/1353993618634264577
"It’s fine, even patriotic, not to know the difference between Russia and Ukraine or to care. Indeed, if you know anything at all about this conflict, you must not be a real American—because real Americans, authentic Americans are proudly ignorant."
"Ignorance and indifference are to be celebrated as authentic American values. It’s a form of blackmail, too, this esteem of ignorance. Carlson is inviting anyone who can find Ukraine on a map to exhibit (justified) contempt for him."
"What will he say in response? I guarantee it: 'Your contempt for ordinary Americans is why you have Trump.'”
"It should be manifestly obvious to his viewers that Carlson’s pretense of ignorance is phony, and his contempt for viewers who believe it sincere is complete."
"It should be manifestly obvious to his viewers that Carlson’s pretense of ignorance is phony, and his contempt for viewers who believe it sincere is complete."
"Carlson is exploiting of one of America’s’ finest traits—its profound, ideological commitment to egalitarianism. This commitment runs so deep that we are unable frankly to confront our stupidity, provincialism, and vulgarity."
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