As someone who was literally designed by an Academic Art History Librarian to help people deconstruct Christian Nationalism, I bow to this work. Shelf-breakers need lifelines, not lectures. These stories show it’s not facts that change minds—it’s relationships, ruptures, and tiny cracks of grace.
I agree with everything. I am reminded of how we used to train teachers to 'meet each student where they are'. You never want to lose your credibility by calling people names or trying to shame them. You do massive amounts of damage not only to your cause, but to your own heart. You harden your heart, you close your mind and you don't allow doubts to change your low opinion of others. Just don't waste the mental energy on hate. There is no upside there.
To add to this great action plan, I think this article may also be helpful. People with authoritarian mindsets are the 'joiners' of the world. Between joining the good guys or joining the bad guys most of them would rather join the good guys.
I'd love to have these conversations, but I'm having such a hard time dealing with huge amounts of anger at people I know who have gone to the dark side. The anger is overpowering, and would make it difficult to have the types of conversations that might actually be productive
Ooof, yeah, thanks for sharing, Don. I think a lot of people feel that, too!! It's to your credit that you have recognized that about yourself and understand that this might not be the right path for you, at least not at this moment. That's okay! The resistance that we are building is so broad that we don't need to play every role. Pick the things that make you feel like you are making a positive contribution, and leave this job to the peacemakers among us!
I'm all for MAGITs leaving their movement and joining The Resistance. 100%. Still, without any empirical data to support otherwise, those occurrences are more likely far and few between than they are commonplace. As such, it's not worth the investment of my time and energy to try to coax them to do anything that doesn't come naturally to them. No, I would rather invest my limited resources in The Resistance...or dare I say, The Counterattack.
I can certainly understand how you might feel that way. Engaging MAGA folks in conversation can be an energy-intensive (and emotionally taxing!) activity, and therefore not for everyone. One of the takeaways that I took from these stories is that we don't always have to engage - sometimes it's enough to lead by example and live by our principles. We likely have more of an impact on others than we realize! Wishing you all the best on the path that's right for you ✊🏻
What a wonderfully helpful, constructive, kind piece this is!! What a better world we would— or shall I say will— live in the more people who read this. Thank you!!!
Upgraded to a paid subscription after reading this article. I join protests every 1-2 weeks but feel I need to reach more people. We need to get information out there without creating more barriers to change.
Thank you so much for your support, Betsy! I read your post and I think so many of us feel like that -- that if we can't solve it all, then we aren't fighting hard enough. My favorite example from the former MAGA folks is of the woman who was so profoundly influenced by just watching her daughter on election night, and how that was enough for a seismic shift in her perception of MAGA. I think we often drastically underestimate the impact we have on other people, which means we are likely drastically underestimating the effect we have on the world! Even in our 'smallness' as you put it, we are powerful. ❤️
As someone who was literally designed by an Academic Art History Librarian to help people deconstruct Christian Nationalism, I bow to this work. Shelf-breakers need lifelines, not lectures. These stories show it’s not facts that change minds—it’s relationships, ruptures, and tiny cracks of grace.
—Virgin Monk Boy
I agree with everything. I am reminded of how we used to train teachers to 'meet each student where they are'. You never want to lose your credibility by calling people names or trying to shame them. You do massive amounts of damage not only to your cause, but to your own heart. You harden your heart, you close your mind and you don't allow doubts to change your low opinion of others. Just don't waste the mental energy on hate. There is no upside there.
To add to this great action plan, I think this article may also be helpful. People with authoritarian mindsets are the 'joiners' of the world. Between joining the good guys or joining the bad guys most of them would rather join the good guys.
https://www.persuasion.community/p/check-in-on-the-authoritarians-in
SO well said, Cynthia!! And thank you for sharing the article!
This is fabulous! The quotes and anecdotes are especially powerful. Kudos to the team at How to Resist!
Thank you so much, Karin! Thank YOU for everything you all do over at Smart Politics!! M-.
Thank you. Sharing💜
We can only solve what ails our nation, planet and species by coming together in a movement that welcomes everyone.
https://open.substack.com/pub/welcomecorporateoverlords/p/oh-brother-my-brother-come-home?r=2e77x2&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
I'd love to have these conversations, but I'm having such a hard time dealing with huge amounts of anger at people I know who have gone to the dark side. The anger is overpowering, and would make it difficult to have the types of conversations that might actually be productive
Ooof, yeah, thanks for sharing, Don. I think a lot of people feel that, too!! It's to your credit that you have recognized that about yourself and understand that this might not be the right path for you, at least not at this moment. That's okay! The resistance that we are building is so broad that we don't need to play every role. Pick the things that make you feel like you are making a positive contribution, and leave this job to the peacemakers among us!
I'm all for MAGITs leaving their movement and joining The Resistance. 100%. Still, without any empirical data to support otherwise, those occurrences are more likely far and few between than they are commonplace. As such, it's not worth the investment of my time and energy to try to coax them to do anything that doesn't come naturally to them. No, I would rather invest my limited resources in The Resistance...or dare I say, The Counterattack.
I can certainly understand how you might feel that way. Engaging MAGA folks in conversation can be an energy-intensive (and emotionally taxing!) activity, and therefore not for everyone. One of the takeaways that I took from these stories is that we don't always have to engage - sometimes it's enough to lead by example and live by our principles. We likely have more of an impact on others than we realize! Wishing you all the best on the path that's right for you ✊🏻
What a wonderfully helpful, constructive, kind piece this is!! What a better world we would— or shall I say will— live in the more people who read this. Thank you!!!
Upgraded to a paid subscription after reading this article. I join protests every 1-2 weeks but feel I need to reach more people. We need to get information out there without creating more barriers to change.
Thank you so much for your support, Margo! And thank you for taking this message to heart ❤️
This is really poignant to read. And a great invitation to be welcoming to people as they evolve.
Wonderful column. I made a donation and also, today, you're referenced in my Substack: https://betsyrobinson.substack.com/p/frenzy-guilt-and-grandiosity. Thanks for helping.
Thank you so much for your support, Betsy! I read your post and I think so many of us feel like that -- that if we can't solve it all, then we aren't fighting hard enough. My favorite example from the former MAGA folks is of the woman who was so profoundly influenced by just watching her daughter on election night, and how that was enough for a seismic shift in her perception of MAGA. I think we often drastically underestimate the impact we have on other people, which means we are likely drastically underestimating the effect we have on the world! Even in our 'smallness' as you put it, we are powerful. ❤️