The MAGA Hat Boys Aren’t Totally Innocent, But I Feel Empathy Towards Them - Jeff Wiersma

I unfortunately recognize the smug arrogance, the dehumanization and bullying of all that was other, the toxic masculinity and Eurocentric Christendom all too well, because it was my adolescent worldview. 

Despite rejecting the claims of one investigation that found no fault in the Covington Catholic boys’ actions at the National Mall last month (while acknowledging that the so-called "Black Israelite" group were the instigators), and despite my ardent opposition to the Trumpism the boys are caught up in ... I still feel empathy for them.

Why?

Because they’re just like who I was at that age. As a teen, I was a full-fledged, enthusiastic foot soldier for the Religious Right. I was fully convinced that what I learned from those sources was true - that I needed to be fought for in order to save our country from God’s judgment. Obviously I was 100% wrong, but I was naive and took what I was told by those sources at face value.

I unfortunately recognize the smug arrogance, the dehumanization and bullying of all that was other, the toxic masculinity and Eurocentric Christendom all too well, because it was my adolescent worldview.

The only things that rescued my from continuing to be that person were (1) being held accountable for my actions (2) converting from Fundagelicalism to Christianity (3) realigning my political and philosophical beliefs to align with Jesus, not Movement Conservatism.

Given who my parents are - how they’ve always questioned the powers that be and stood up for the least of these - it may have been inevitable that I reformed. It also coincided with maturing from an adolescent to an adult.

BUT it still took being held accountable for the harmful beliefs I took on as truth.