The Nelligan Review

American Insecurity

 

To say that we are
rational beings is like
claiming that we are
a pole-vaulting animal.
Yes, it can be done,
and when done well
can be spectacular,
but the vast majority
of us can’t pole vault
nor think clearly, our
minds are not good
at precision. We prefer
to trust our instincts,
truths from the gut,
then provide whatever
rationalizations to cover
up what’s really going
on. One scholar argues
this goes back hundreds
of thousands of years,
when we were puny
critters on the lookout
for hungry neighbors
who craved our flesh.
We instinctively avoid
what we think might
do us harm, that’s where
our chronic insecurity
comes from. If we fear
an invasion of dark
aliens from other places
who will eat our pets
and rape our daughters,
chances are we vote
for the cult of Trump.
If our concern focuses
on women deprived of
medical care, children
fleeing oppressive lands,
we vote for Democrats.​​

 

 

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