Alienation Nation

Many writers and poets have delved into alienation. Other than murder and deceit, it’s perhaps the most consistent human trait. For decades, people dealt with alienation in private or among trusted others. Today it is widely shared.

Alienation has become democratized.

I confess an addiction to YouTube videos showing people losing their shit. I was raised around many of these types, though some genuinely surprise me. I can dress it up in sociological colors, pretending that I’m studying our steady breakdown. But truthfully, this is my porn.

I always knew humans were destined for a disgraceful fall, and now that it’s here, I have mixed feelings. I once professionally argued on behalf of the powerless, and I truly meant it. The powerless still need protection, a safety net, something to cling to. Yet so many of them worship tyrants.

In the Reagan era, it was said that working people voted against their interests. Materially, sure. But ideologically? More often than not, working class Reagan voters identified with his policies, even if it hurt them. You see this now with Trump. Reagan made Trump inevitable. I’m sure there’s worse to come, but it’ll be hard to top Trump. Or will it?