context: I'm providing thoughts as a Canadian that wouldn't have voted Trump, and possibly not even voted if I were an American (I know that sounds bad, but it's how I feel).
silent majority in the US
One of the big reasons I feel that it's "silent" is that political discourse has dramatically changed. Social media turned a lot of politics on its head, with an "us vs them" hivemind. I've also seen the parties radically shift so that what was once considered "liberal" or "conservative" is sometimes opposite these days.
I think a lot of people that voted Trump don't necessarily like him or are internally a bit ashamed, but felt it was better for the country/economy in some way (again, I'm speaking as someone that wouldn't have voted for him, but trying to understand those that did).
Do you feel like a Trump supporter now even more stigmatized?
Yes and no. It's more stigmatized by somewhat reactionary social media folks, but in general outside the internet, I think it's less stigmatized now. As his term goes on if we see a classic drop in support/popularity, then that will change.
Do you ever wonder if these things are fixed? Like Brexit in the UK. Not like I know many people but literally no one I knew voted to leave.
I personally don't feel they are, but I do feel there are various influential factors in how social engineering, campaign fundraising/expenditure and topics like gerrymandering play a role.
Additionally, in my 33 years, I've seen a lot of pendulum swings with over-correction. Unfortunately, this means extremist ideas sometimes win before regret sinks in, and sometimes are hard to undo.
In general, it's easier to tear down structures than rebuild them.
I don't think we should necessarily hate someone because of their political beliefs. In any sane world we should talk to the person and try to reason with them
+1
