The Right’s New Playbook: From Outrage to State Power
For years, the American right has decried “cancel culture” and the perceived overreach of progressive activism. But a interesting shift is underway.Instead of solely battling cultural trends with persuasion, a segment of the right is now attempting to wield the power of the state to reshape culture – a strategy born from observing the left’s successes and recognizing their own limitations.
This isn’t simply about policy disagreements; it’s a fundamental change in how the right seeks influence. Let’s unpack what’s happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for the future of American discourse.
The Kimmel Incident: A Turning Point
The recent controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel and conservative commentator ben Shapiro’s associate, Julio Rosas, illustrates this shift perfectly. As Tanner greer explained to Vox, right-wing figures viewed Kimmel’s inaccurate claims about Rosas’s background as equally offensive as an overt anti-Black Lives Matter statement would have been during the height of the 2020 protests.
Though, they felt they lacked the grassroots support to generate a comparable outcry. Instead, they turned to the presidency – specifically, the potential for presidential intervention.
Mirroring the left’s Tactics, But With More Force
Greer highlights a key sentiment: “They remember 2020, and they feel like if Jimmy Kimmel had gone against Black Lives Matter, he would’ve been taken off the air without the state.” The right recognizes it doesn’t possess the same robust activist network as the left. But it does control the levers of government.
This realization has fueled a desire to replicate the “structural cultural change” they believe was imposed during the ”Great Awokening” – but through decidedly more forceful means. Rather of relying on persuasion and popular support, the strategy involves leveraging government power through fines and potential jail time.
Beyond Popularity: The Quest for Cultural Acceptance
It’s crucial to understand this isn’t born of widespread unpopularity. The right has demonstrably won elections, including Trump’s 2024 popular vote victory. Their movement has gained traction, notably among figures like Joe Rogan and Theo Von, who resonate with a broad audience.
Though, despite these successes, a core desire remains unfulfilled: mainstream cultural acceptance. Trump, despite his presidency, never achieved the kind of widespread adoration that would land him a hosting gig for the Oscars. He was perceived as to unconventional, too abrasive, and too prone to controversy.
From Reality TV Star to Head of State – and Cultural Arbiter
this frustration led Trump to bypass traditional cultural gatekeepers. Rather of seeking acceptance within the existing cultural establishment, he effectively became the establishment.He reshaped the government’s cultural institutions, installing himself as a de facto head and host.
This move represents a fundamental rejection of the soft power of cultural influence. It’s a bet that the hard power of the state can achieve what popularity and persuasion could not.
What Does This Mean for You?
This shift has significant implications for the future of American culture and discourse:
* Increased Polarization: The use of state power to enforce cultural norms will likely exacerbate existing divisions.
* Chilling Effect on Speech: The threat of legal repercussions could stifle dissenting voices and limit open debate.
* A New Era of Cultural Battles: Expect to see more clashes between those who advocate for cultural change through persuasion and those who favor government intervention.
* Erosion of Trust: Politicizing cultural institutions further erodes public trust in those institutions.
ultimately, the question remains: will wielding state power ever truly satisfy the desire for genuine cultural acceptance? Or will it simply deepen the divides and create a more fractured society? Onyl time will tell.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available information and expert commentary as of November 2023.the political landscape is constantly evolving, and future developments may alter these conclusions.
