S6E36 - THE TWO KENS: Why So Many Americans Cheer Cruelty

This week, Ken Fong and I take on a sobering question: Why do so many Americans celebrate cruelty? With the help of British psychiatrist Dr. Russell Razzaque, we explore the mental state of Donald Trump and the deeper dynamics that fuel authoritarian behavior. At the core? Fear. Not fear of crime or poverty—but of losing status, especially among white men who once held unchallenged social dominance.

We look at the disturbing celebration of cruelty—like the now-infamous photo of Trump, Marco Rubio, and Kristi Noem laughing in front of cages at “Alligator Alcatraz,” a holding camp for migrants. For many in the MAGA base, this isn’t about policy—it’s about resentment, superiority, and pushing others down to feel powerful again.

Drawing on insights from David Brooks and Alasdair MacIntyre, we trace how our culture shifted from communal virtue to individual preference. We’ve moved from the language of “duty” and “honor” to the language of “want” and “leverage.” And in doing so, we've lost the moral grounding that once came from religion, tradition, and community.

The 2024 award-winning German feature film, The Zone of Interest, makes the powerful, dramatic point. We humans can be so focused on our personal comfort and well-being that we remain oblivious to the callous cruelty and inhuman brutality right next door.

We also ask: How did compassion and humility get replaced by bile and demonstrative cruelty? Why does backing and supporting Trump feel personal and set in stone to his followers? And how do we reclaim a moral vocabulary that elevates character over charisma?

Finally, don’t miss our call to action: Join the Good Trouble movement this month. Protest. Speak up. Reclaim our shared values.

LINKS: 

Psychiatrist Russell Razzaque, M.D.

ATLANTIC David Brooks

FILM: ZONE OF INTEREST

GOOD TROUBLE Protest