• themeatbridge@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    Whenever there’s performative outrage, I’m always reminded of the West Wing episode where conservative women are mad at the first lady.

    SAM Why were there rolling pins?

    C.J. Brenda Swetland: “At this moment, you’re not licensed to practice medicine, correct?” A. Bartlet: “At this moment, I’m just a wife and mother.”

    SAM I don’t see it.

    C.J. Well, you got to want it.

    SAM Oh, I see it.

    C.J. Yeah.

    It’s such a throwaway line, but it says so much about political discourse and the American people (maybe it’s global, but I can only speak from experience). People want to be upset. They seek out reasons to be angry, because it validates their pre-existing hate. And I’m guilty of the same, but I’m working on it.