The role of fundamentalism in the election.

[progressoid]

This is a paragraph from a longer essay: On Rural America: Understanding Isn't The Problem

...In deep red, white America, the white Christian God is king, figuratively and literally. Religious fundamentalism is what has shaped most of their belief systems. Systems built on a fundamentalist framework are not conducive for introspection, questioning, learning, change. When you have a belief system that is built on fundamentalism, it isn’t open to outside criticism, especially by anyone not a member of your tribe and in a position of power. The problem isn’t “coastal elites don’t understand rural Americans.” The problem is rural America doesn’t understand itself and will NEVER listen to anyone outside their bubble. It doesn’t matter how “understanding” you are, how well you listen, what language you use…if you are viewed as an outsider, your views are automatically discounted. I’ve had hundreds of discussions with rural white Americans and whenever I present them any information that contradicts their entrenched beliefs, no matter how sound, how unquestionable, how obvious, they WILL NOT even entertain the possibility it might be true. Their refusal is a result of the nature of their fundamentalist belief system and the fact I’m the enemy because I’m an educated liberal. At some point during the discussion, “That’s your education talking,” will be said, derogatorily, as a general dismissal of everything I said. They truly believe this is a legitimate response because to them education is not to be trusted. Education is the enemy of fundamentalism because fundamentalism, by its very nature, is not built on facts. The fundamentalists I grew up around aren’t anti-education. They want their kids to know how to read and write. They are anti-quality, in-depth, broad, specialized education. Learning is only valued up to the certain point. Once it reaches the level where what you learn contradicts doctrine and fundamentalist arguments, it becomes dangerous.

more...http://forsetti.tumblr.com/post/153181757500/on-rural-america-understanding-isnt-the-problem

Cross-posted in 2016 Postmortem.

[mountain grammy]

1. Oh that is so true

And so well written.. this I will bookmark and read often.. I know these people too and this couldn't be more spot on.

[progressoid]

2. I know some of these people too.

In fact, for one of my relatives, I can draw a direct line from her embracing fundamental xianism to her blind support of Trump. It's really sad to see.

[FigTree]

3. The irony of it all

is that the man they voted for doesn’t strike as being religious... He's just your standard pussy-grabber, weathervane professional plunderer. Which indicates that even their belief-system is secondary to their racism.

[Brainstormy]

4. I've read this essay three times

It absolutely NAILS what happened in the election and the state of the country.

[DetlefK]

5. And that's why fundamentalists don't care that Trump is the opposite of a good Christian.

Facts don't matter. If they say that Trump is a good Christian then GODAMMIT this cheating, vindictive, narcissistic, philandering liar is good Christian.

[RussBLib]

8. ..and if the evangelical "leaders" say Trump is a Christian, then....

Trump is a fucking Christian.

Emphasis on fucking. You, me, everyone.

[muriel_volestrangler]

7. The US federal system already allows "going their own way" more than just about any other country

It's not really practical to start cordoning off individual cities. But you have states with the education and healthcare systems that the far right desire already; and states with civilised versions.

[sab390]

9. Ignorance and poverty are the bedrock of religion

As education and the middle class began to grow in the west religion began to wane. Working to spread the wealth and education would reduce the influence of religion.