re: #256 Killgore Trout

What I’ve noticed recently about our political tribalism is that much of it is based on not understanding. There’s an intentional ignorance required for acceptance by the tribe. How much of it is actually believed is a difficult question but I’m leaning towards the concept that people see the intentional ignorance as a tool to demonize their opponents as well as a method to identify friends. It’s a bonding experience. I don’t think most people actually really believe the crap that’s being spread these days but a lot of people have fun with it and see it as politically useful.

Birther hysteria being a prime example. Many of the birthers don’t really believe Obama was born in Kenya or Indonesia. But proclaiming that they do creates a bond, as you suggest, with likeminded people. It’s a way of protesting Obama’s presidency and, of course, calling him a ni%$er without using the actual words.