I grew up in conservative areas going to Baptist churches where gay people "did not exist" and a woman running for president was a massive scandal, so we were pretty close to the center of the MAGA takeover. I only have my own limited perspective but I can say with pretty much confidence that the roots of the fascism we're seeing now run deep.
In June, youth groups from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama would meet at a Baptist Church in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. One of the three days of the conference was America Day. They had two massive flags up front, an American flag and a Confederate flag, and they handed out mini American flags to all the kids. We'd sing a bunch of patriotic songs and then chant "USA" while waving the flags. After a few minutes of chanting they'd bring in soldiers and veterans and everyone would stand in silence as they walked up the aisle. A Republican congressman would come in and give a speech on how we were the future of America, how we need good Christian young people in this country, thank God a man who loves this country is president, etc. Nationalism was at fever pitch especially starting in 2016.
My mom grew up Catholic (my family was from Ireland). We joined the IFB (Independent Fundamental Baptist) movement because they offered direct resources where other churches didn't. Food, childcare, direct assistance for church members who were in need. I'm not interested in justifying or condemning my mom's choice to involve herself with this sect, though I understand the justified anger towards those on the right and I feel it myself. She died while she was homeless eleven years ago, her life is over, and that's not the point. There are about 8.5 million IFB churchgoers in the US today which is of course a fraction of far right America.
I went to vacation Bible school in Texas where they were targeting the Hispanic community by sending buses around offering weekend childcare and free meals, which was massively successful. In 2017 about half of VBS was Hispanic kids who came in from the "bus ministry." They had a time called testimony where they'd send adults up on stage one by one to explain why they'd joined the church and how it saved their lives. People would tell stories of alcoholism, severe abuse, poverty and food insecurity, mental illness, etc. and how the church saved them from the evils of the world. This is part of how they got new converts. Of course there's plenty more to say.
I don't think we can return to the status quo, because the status quo was not okay. Voting doesn't feel empowering when you can't afford housing and food for your kids regardless. Fascism grows in environments of neglect. It's like for the past 9 years we shut the door to the damp cellar and let the mold grow. There are enough of us horrified right now that at a certain point either we let it happen or collectively we don't, and we not only show up and protest but also learn to care for one another, not just because we need to protect the targets of the Trump campaign but also because we are going to build something better in the status quo's place and it's non negotiable. This shouldn't be happening in the wealthiest country in the world.
Originally Posted By u/River_Hawk_Hush At 2025-04-16 05:24:41 PM | Source
