If you’re like me, you have someone in your life, maybe someone you care about deeply, who has imbibed vast quantities of the MAGA kool-aid.
After attending the live session of a new podcast, BCD’s New Directions in Engaged Buddhism, I’ve been thinking about a question that was posed to the guest speaker, Rev. Seth Zuihō Segall. He was asked about how, as Buddhists, to deal with the aforementioned people. Part of his answer was to put disagreement and lectures aside, and genuinely listen to their point of view. A discussion ensued, with various suggestions being offered.
I didn’t have time to talk as the hour was up, but my observation is this: MAGA people are angry. They lash out, hurl insults and vehemently insist that everything bad comes from the left and only the right (Trump and company) can save this country. As I’m sure you’ve experienced, it can be difficult to hold a civil conversation with them.
My approach, based on my Buddhist studies and general life experience is to “analyze” what’s behind the other person’s behavior rather than judge them for it. I’ve learned that often, fear manifests as anger. Certainly there is a lot to be fearful about in our society today. Unemployment, rising costs, housing prices skyrocketing, the relentless pressure of the 24/7 world, and so on. Watching the news for just 10 minutes is horrifying.
When I interact with a MAGA cultist, I look upon them as a fearful being that doesn’t have the ability to deal with their fear so it comes out as anger. It comforts them to follow a “strongman”. His IDGAF attitude and America First talk lessens their trepidation and makes them think he will make everything ok. Jobs will be readily available, pay will increase, prices will go down, houses will be abundant and affordable. This is the bill of goods they’ve been sold, and they don’t want to believe otherwise because reality is scary.
I have compassion for them as I would for a frightened child. This is how I approach conversations. I’ve found that when they realize I’m listening to hear them instead of listening to rebut or belittle them, we can actually have a discussion. That’s not to say they always return the gesture, but fear is not easy to overcome. I’ve managed to keep friendships and family relationships alive with staunch MAGA folks because they understand I will defend their right to (respectfully) speak their mind even though I disagree with their views. I understand intimately what it’s like to live in/with fear, and maybe that’s why my compassion flows easily. Or maybe it’s because I cling to the Buddhist ideal that love (and compassion born of love for all beings) is always the basis of two tenets of The Noble Eightfold Path, Right Speech and Right Intention. Maybe conversations and interactions based on these ideals could even penetrate the walls of fear and anger. That hope keeps my personal spark alive.