it would seem to me that the intersection between certain flavors of religion, authoritarianism, faux patriotism, hate of the “other” and self loathing is a perfect catalyst for this national cult nightmare.

Sociological analysis of Germany in the 1930’s and 40’s would agree with you, certainly, but I still find it a little hard to fathom. I think part of it may be that I’m just very resistant to viewing anyone as so wise/intelligent that I would put them up on a pedestal and regard them with awe. Maybe there’s a sense of comfort in believing that this other person has our complex, confusing world figured out and you just need to follow them, they’ll lead you through the morass of conflicting ideas. And yes, simplistic, us-vs-them, good-vs-evil narratives are a much easier sell to just about everyone, but it’s still a staggering thought to me that 75% of conservatives lack the ability to see through that bullshit. I mean, these are real people. Homo sapiens.

Fuck.