Ask Lemmy

As American's we're taught to be inherently distrusting of outsiders. This is present at every level.

• Nationally we're taught that other nations either hate us for our freedom or want to steal it for themselves, that's why we hate foreign powers and immigrants respectively.
• On a state level we're taught that other states are either a burden supported by ours or look down on us, that's why everyone talks shit on Mississippi and California respectively.
• On an inner state level we're told about the crimes and horrors of living in other cities, if you move there you'll be shot and raped and get hooked on drugs. Better to stay where you were born.
• On a city level we're told that other neighborhoods are either crime riddled slums or look down on us for being crime riddled slums. You can't go there because you'll be shot by gangs or they'll call the police on you respectively.
• On a neighborhood level, we're taught that our neighbors may secretly be evil. Sure they seem nice but that's what they thought about the serial killer or the rapist before they found out. Best stay inside.

The only thing we're never taught to fear is our community, the people we already know and trust, the people that cannot be easily alienated. By evoking community the politician is saying that they're one of you, they're someone you trust. Not an outsider that seeks to harm you like all the rest.

You sit at home scared of the monsters that pass your house, fearing the beasts that stalk the borders and the barbarians that hate you for your way of life. Wholly incapable of reaching past the smoke and mirrors to seethe only monster is the one pretending to help you see these false dangers. That is why they use community.