I’ve been thinking a lot about how many people in the MAGA movement are quietly distancing themselves from it, but it's happening in a way that's not overt or public. It’s a slow process, where people might start to realize that things aren’t what they thought they were, but they can’t just come out and say it. They don’t necessarily want to stay, but they’re afraid to leave.
Here’s the thing: when someone is deeply invested in a belief system like MAGA, it’s not just about politics—it’s their entire identity. It’s wrapped up in family, community, religion, and personal values. For a lot of these people, leaving MAGA isn’t just about changing political views—it feels like losing everything. Many of them have work, friendships, and even churches tied to these beliefs. If they were to walk away, it’s not just a political shift—it’s a fundamental re-evaluation of their whole life.
But here’s the catch: they’re still doubting. A lot of MAGA supporters are starting to realize that things aren’t going the way they expected—whether it’s the economy, the way Trump behaves, or the way the movement has become more divisive. But the fear of admitting they were wrong, especially publicly, keeps them stuck. Even when they voice criticisms of Trump, it’s often mixed with defensiveness or anger. They’re still holding onto the narrative, because it’s scary to let go.
What we often miss is that these people can’t just “snap out of it.” They’ve been in this echo chamber for so long, they’ve been fed the same talking points over and over. They’re afraid of being wrong, ashamed of what they’ve supported, and terrified of the consequences if they openly walk away. For many, it’s like being in a toxic relationship—you can see the problems, but leaving means losing so much more than just the person you’re with. It’s about losing your community, your beliefs, and your identity.
So, the truth is, we won’t see a grand announcement when MAGA supporters leave. It’s not going to be some big declaration—they’ll leave quietly, over time, as the cracks start to form. And when they do, it won’t be easy for them. It will take time, patience, and understanding.
But the real challenge for those of us outside the movement is understanding that it’s not as simple as telling them “you were wrong.” It’s not just about changing their political opinions—it’s about helping them navigate the deep emotional and psychological barriers that keep them attached to these beliefs. It’s not just a political debate; it’s an identity crisis.
Originally Posted By u/2GR84H8 At 2025-04-04 12:33:58 AM | Source
I get what you're saying, and i think you're probably right, but i simply can't respect that.
If you've supported the fascist takeover either directly by voting for them or indirectly by not voting, you have a serious obligation to start righting your wrongs.
I will respect the shit out of anyone engaging actively in trying to turn things around. Anyone quit quitting fascism are fucking cowards.
I've been wrong before, but once realized, I don't hesitate to correct that behavior or belief out of some selfish fear of losing face.
I hope people shift, even slowly, away from MAGA, but I'll never respect the integrity of those who do so quietly with their tail between their legs.
That's a level of introspection that most MAGAs are incapable of, and those who are tend to be narcissistic enough to not care. It's truly a set of mental health issues, and it runs deeper than their outward hatred implies.
I read a while back about how there's really strong correlation between people who are capable of certain levels of thoughts and where they fall on the political spectrum. The argument was that people with lower neuroplasticity tend to be more conservative, which can be explained by the fact that lower neuroplasticity makes learning and maturing, or overcoming any level of cognitive dissonance, is difficult to the point that it can cause them discomfort or even pain. This makes them more likely to be attracted to politics and policies which confirm their preconceptions rather than challenge them. It also makes them much less likely to accept any kind of fault in cases like this. It's a lot to do with why cults are almost always religiously conservative - - someone else has the duty of thinking for me, and I can go on hatin' the gays! Even the woo-woo cults always prop up some "enlightened" leader, and the followers get agitated or violent when that enlightenment is challenged by anyone.
The other end of the idealogical spectrum have people who are capable of that introspection and are able to identify when there are deficiencies in their emotional maturity or understanding of something. They're physiologically more able to recognize these situations and effect a change within themselves, and it's why we on the left tend to be less outwardly angry, more respectful, and more willing to grow.
tl;dr: empathy makes MAGA brains hurt, and they need therapy.