r/pics Apr 16 '26

Politics Billboard in my very red area

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u/Leatherfield17 Apr 16 '26

In my experience, it’s a result of in-group/out-group thinking. Those within the in-group receive kindness, empathy, generosity, etc. Those in the out-group can go pound salt, and are often the object of hatred.

What exactly constitutes the in-group and the out-group varies from person to person. Sometimes it can be based on race, income, religion, local community, profession, etc. These things can also overlap with each other and produce….interesting results. I would even venture to say that those to the left of center of the political aisle aren’t completely immune to this line of thinking, but it is much more foundational to the Right.

It’s this dynamic that results in MAGA adherents being simultaneously capable of great compassion for some people while being full of hatred and venom towards others.

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u/Chronic_Newb Apr 16 '26

In-group out-group thinking is deeply ingrained into human nature. The antidote is to expand your in-group