People don’t like feeling daunted. They want to feel effective. But the average U.S. citizen has had a rough go of it since 1980, thanks to economic policy that has cut the legs out from the middle class. Additionally, we were led into two unwinnable, intractable wars that didn't lead to the triumph promised by those who started them.
It’s exactly when the problems are complex and daunting that quick fixes have their special lure.
Predictably, the demagogues who hawk these quick fixes targets people that are already a bit illicit, “other” and alien. The usual “usual suspects”: those of different religion, race or sexuality — the Jews, blacks, immigrants, homosexuals. People who aren’t “people like us.” We “sense” they’re trouble.
So when we’re told that they are the source of present troubles, it “clicks.” It feels right. Throw the bastards out.
Trouble is, quick fixes don’t solve complex problems. Banning Muslims from America or indulging in religious vigilantism won’t address whatever is pushing people to terrorism. But it just might recruit a few more to ISIS’ cause.
