Article Summary:
This David Brooks article discusses the need for a resistance movement against Trumpism and populist authoritarianism in the United States. Drawing on historical examples of successful civil resistance, such as the People Power Revolution in the Philippines, the author argues that citizens are not powerless in the face of autocratic threats.
The text explores why Americans have been passive in response to democratic erosion under the Trump administration. Two key reasons are identified: intimidation and a lack of understanding of the broader historical context. The author suggests that Trumpism is more than a political phenomenon—it’s a cultural movement that offers identity and belonging to its supporters.
To counter this, the author proposes building a counter-social movement that draws inspiration from the historical Populist Progressive alliance. This movement should:
1. Capitalize on the weaknesses of the MAGA narrative
2. Construct a more inspiring vision of America
3. Build a cross-class coalition
4. Focus on persuasion and concrete victories
5. Create compelling narratives and heroes
6. Use nonviolent actions to shift public sentiment
The proposed movement should emphasize traditional American values of social mobility, hope, and possibility, in contrast to the MAGA narrative of threat and zero-sum competition. It should unite progressives and populists around shared goals of reducing inequality and expanding opportunity.
The article concludes with optimism, arguing that America has a history of cycling through rupture and repair. While Trumpism is currently ascendant, cultural and intellectual change can precede social movements and ultimately political transformation.