Andrew Bjelland: Will we remember the better angels of our nature, or die by suicide?
Such marked divisions are symptoms of a social-psychological disease: thoughtlessness. This disease has its superspreaders: masters of mendacious propaganda and emotive manipulation who target aggrieved citizens, stoke their fears and channel their animosities. The targeted audience, once enflamed, in turn further empowers their masters. This feedback-loop expands, intensifies and increasingly undermines social cohesion.
Thoughtlessness currently enables a widespread assault on liberal democracy. In Viktor Orban’s Hungary and in the other illiberal democracies of Eastern Europe,. They endorse religious fundamentalism and present themselves as the sole guardians of family values. They instill hostility toward outsiders and erode confidence in democratic institutions. Oligarchs fill their coffers. Citizens become increasingly cynical. Cynicism gives way to apathy. Apathy further emboldens masters of deceit.
We are revisiting Lincoln’s world — a decentered world in which things fall apart. Will our better angels counter present prospects of disunion? Reduce the likelihood of sedition? Arrest our nation’s drift toward authoritarianism?: A free people must unite in support of the rule of law “or die by suicide.” As we approach the 2022 midterm elections, we should each ask: Do I support candidates who inspire “the better angels of our nature” or those who evoke the demons of division?Ph.D.
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