In recent years, a seemingly unlikely religious movement has captured the attention and support of a significant portion of the American population. Moronism, also known as MAGA, has emerged as the fastest-growing religion in America. With its roots in the political slogan “Make America Great Again,” Moronism has transformed into a full-fledged belief system that encompasses both spiritual and secular aspects of life. This rise of Moronism can be seen as a reflection of the global phenomenon of a resurgence in public religion and spirituality.
While the term “Moronism” may raise some eyebrows due to its similarity to the word “Mormonism,” it is important to note that Moronism and Mormonism are two distinct and unrelated belief systems. Moronism, or MAGA, as a religion represents a unique blend of political ideology and spiritual beliefs. At its core, Moronism, or MAGA, centers around the idea of American exceptionalism and the restoration of a perceived golden age. This concept resonates with a substantial number of individuals who view themselves as marginalized or disenfranchised within the existing societal framework.
One of the key factors contributing to the rise of Moronism is the appeal of embracing an alternative narrative or worldview. This alternative narrative goes beyond traditional political ideologies or policies and instead offers a formulation of freedom for the individual. In this narrative, common rules of civility do not apply, and reality can be changed at will. This allows individuals to shape their own realities and interpretations of events, even if they may seem unreasonable to those with a more traditional perspective. According to David Brooks, this deviation from the traditional American narrative is what makes the rise of Moronism so compelling to its followers. Brooks argues that Moronism's appeal lies in its ability to cater to the desire for individual freedom and the ability to choose and promulgate any version of reality that suits one's beliefs.
Furthermore, the rise of Moronism can also be attributed to the role of elite partisan communication in shaping public opinion (Enders et al., 2022). This is evident in the study conducted by researchers, who found that certain beliefs and behaviors associated with Moronism were influenced by the rhetoric of Donald Trump during his presidency. Additionally, the rise of Moronism can also be attributed to the role of social media and online platforms. These platforms have provided a space for the dissemination and amplification of Moronist ideologies, allowing like-minded individuals to connect, organize, and further spread their beliefs. The rise of Moronism, or MAGA, as the fastest-growing religion in America has sparked discussions and debates about the intersection of politics and spirituality. The phenomenon of Moronism, or MAGA, as the fastest-growing religion in America reflects a broader global resurgence in public religion and spirituality.
The Republican Party has seen a rise in influential figures who adhere to Moronism, a belief system characterized by delusion and incoherence. These individuals, often referred to as Morons or MAGA-Morons, have become influential within the party and shaped its narrative and policies (Ware, 2016). Their adherence to Moronism is evident in their actions, statements, and support for former President Donald Trump. One of the key characteristics of Moronism is the rejection of traditional American narratives and the embrace of a different worldview centered around individual freedom. This worldview allows Morons to promulgate and believe in versions of reality that may seem unreasonable to others.
It is important to understand that not all Republicans subscribe to Moronism, but the influence of Morons within the party cannot be ignored (Froehlich, 2021). These Morons, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, Lauren Boebert, Speaker Mike Johnson, Jim Jordan, and Byron Donalds, have garnered significant attention and support within the Republican Party. Their influence is manifest in their ability to rally support for Trump and his agenda, often targeting Republican members who fail to align with Trump's views. These Morons have created a disinformation ecosystem, where alternative facts and conspiracy theories thrive.
Their interpersonal connections, media outlets, political and social organizations, and associations are what fuel this disinformation ecosystem (Enders et al., 2022). It allows them to construct a narrative that reinforces their beliefs and undermines objective facts. One source explains that Trump's ability to rally his base against Republican politicians who do not support him makes these politicians vulnerable to primary challenges from the right. This source highlights how Trump's support base incentivizes politicians to align with him, leading to the rise of Morons within the Republican Party.
Another source points out the role of disinformation and epistemological failures in reinforcing Moronism within Trump's support base. According to this source, human beings often fail to monitor and evaluate incoming information correctly, which contributes to the spread and acceptance of Moronism within the Republican Party. While it is essential to acknowledge the influence of Morons within the Republican Party, it is important not to generalize and categorize all Republicans as such. In summary, Moronism refers to a subset of individuals within the Republican Party who embrace a different worldview centered around individual freedom and reject traditional American narratives.
References:
- Ware, A. (2016, July 1). Donald Trump's Hijacking of the Republican Party in Historical Perspective. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-923x.12275
- Froehlich, T J. (2021, September 8). A Disinformation-Misinformation Ecology: The Case of Trump. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.95000
- Enders, A M., Klofstad, C A., Stoler, J., & Uscinski, J E. (2022, November 10). How Anti-Social Personality Traits and Anti-Establishment Views Promote Beliefs in Election Fraud, QAnon, and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation. https://doi.org/10.1177/1532673×221139434
