Is it hyperbole to assume that left leaning people in deep red areas are in immediate danger, if and when US democracy fails?

[MasterYoshi]

Been thinking about this a lot after reading through comments on r/politics.

During January 6th, I remember calling my fiancee in a panick that I wanted her home from work immediately, because I didn't know what to do if the mob started executing sitting members of Congress. I knew the election had yet to be certified, and I assumed if any US senators or Congress people were executed, we were in an absolute constitutional crisis. We have 3 kids, from ages 12, 5 and 3. I was mentally prepared to get our things together and run like hell. I live in Southern Georgia, so I don't exactly trust my fellow neighbors to have a shred of humanity if democracy gets overthrown and someone like Trump starts calling for his enemies to be rounded up or executed. I'm reminded of that clip from some right wing talking head, where an audience member straight up asks "when do we get to use the guns?" I've actually seen people in my community wearing proud boys shirts. I wonder if this country could reach the point where you have right wing militias going door to door in deep red communities, and just straight executing those they deem to be enemies. I don't expect the police to protect us from this sort of shit, if Republicans successfully grab power like they tried on the 6th.

 

[THEVOID]

Any woman in any red state is in immediate danger. Once they strip your rights away get the fuck out.

 

[Viewt]

Southern GA?

Your fear is justified. Honestly. That place is straight up scary.

 

[Dalek]

 

[nsilvias]

go outside

 

[Version 3.0]

Public figures, maybe. But no, I wouldn't expect door-to-door searches. Not at first, certainly.

They're going to target minorities first, not Democrats as a whole.

 

[Ashes of Dreams]

Maybe? Maybe not? POC and LGBT+ will be the first to know.

What I will say is that while I agree fear mongering about "another civil war" and all that stuff isn't helpful, we do need to figure something out.

 

[ManNR]

My wife & I have been talking about what we would do if things continue to deteriorate. We are in TN.

 

[Sign My Guestbook!]

No hyperbole about it. We're a few blinks from a christofascist dictatorship. Even the populaces of the blue states are in catastrophic danger, maybe having a year or two more than everyone else.

 

[JaseMath]

Not hyperbole. The lasting legacy of the Trump years continues to embolden people to embrace the worst versions of themselves, openly and often.

 

[Osu 16 Bit]

I think there's probably a healthy balance between understanding the reality of the situation and worrying that your wife and kids are literally about to be rounded up and executed any day now. I cannot read your mind but it sounds like maybe you are not at that healthy balance and maybe listening to some people here isn't the best.

 

[The Albatross]

Depends how serious we mean the phrase "immediate danger."

No, I wouldn't consider a left leaning person in a deeply conservative area in immediate danger, and this sort of sense of alarm is similar to white conservative old ladies who think that Chicago and Boston are socialist hell scape warzones where bands of antifa super soldiers and gang members roam the streets committing violent crimes with impunity.

I wouldn't want to live in a deeply conservative area, for like many reasons ... lack of good public services, the prevalence of guns, poor schools, generally worse health care across the board, and now importantly today if you're a woman or love a woman who is worried about not being able to make choices for themselves then that's a steep risk. I think a sense of immediate danger is over-exaggerated or hyperbolic, just like the sense of immediate danger in some major city is completely exaggerated. But, you should live where you'll feel most safe, and if you can afford to live someplace that is more welcoming to you and your loved ones, then it's worth exploring.

I also think things like race and identity are bigger factors for 'immediate danger' than political ideology.

 

[EntelechyFuff]

go outside

Click to shrink...

.

 

[Africanus II]

I promise if you're white you'll have a headstart
Because they already been hunting the rest of us down.

 

[collige]

If you're picturing some kind of Kristallnacht type event, it seems unlikely to me for now. The current trajectory of the US doesn't need for someone like Trump to round up enemies because checks and balances are breaking down without the need for a literal military coup. Even in that scenario, unorganized left leaning people in rural areas aren't a direct threat to an illegitimate regime due to America's geography and while there's obviously tons of hate in America it's not at the point where it would be acceptable to commit mass killings solely based on identity.

I think comparisons to the Taliban are on point here: the takeover itself isn't when the danger starts, it starts when the new management starts enforcing their awful regressive laws with the full power of the state behind them.

If you want to get a minority killed in America, it's already way easier to call the cops on them than to get messy and do it yourself. A world completely run by the GOP would be that ramped up to 11 where Karens can sic the authorities on anyone not submitting to their rule instead of just brown people. The snitch lines related to the Don't Say Gay stuff is a good example.

 

[maximumzero]

Definitely worried about my wife and daughter down here in Louisiana, as we're the only left-minded individuals in a family and population of largely right-minded people.

 

[Musubi]

If you're not cis/straight/white yeah I'd say your danger level rises more than it already is.

 

[Rag]

I'm a straight white man in Idaho. I'll be fine. It's not right that I'll be fine, but I will be.

 

[Idde]

Been thinking about this a lot after reading through comments on r/politics.

During January 6th, I remember calling my fiancee in a panick that I wanted her home from work immediately, because I didn't know what to do if the mob started executing sitting members of Congress. I knew the election had yet to be certified, and I assumed if any US senators or Congress people were executed, we were in an absolute constitutional crisis. We have 3 kids, from ages 12, 5 and 3. I was mentally prepared to get our things together and run like hell. I live in Southern Georgia, so I don't exactly trust my fellow neighbors to have a shred of humanity if democracy gets overthrown and someone like Trump starts calling for his enemies to be rounded up or executed. I'm reminded of that clip from some right wing talking head, where an audience member straight up asks "when do we get to use the guns?" I've actually seen people in my community wearing proud boys shirts. I wonder if this country could reach the point where you have right wing militias going door to door in deep red communities, and just straight executing those they deem to be enemies. I don't expect the police to protect us from this sort of shit, if Republicans successfully grab power like they tried on the 6th.

Click to shrink...

It kinda sounds like you think something will happen when 'democracy fails' and people will instantly lose all humanity. It takes a LOT to kill someone else. I highly doubt there are enough people on the right, even proud boys, who are so easily pushed so far that there will be actual militia's going go door to door killing people. The worst of the worst went january sixth, and nobody was executed then.

I'm not in the US, and definitely not in the south, so I might be way off here. But that sounds so far removed from reality, and how reality can be.

 

[Cenauru]

I think it is hyperbole tbh, of course it's scary seeing this country heading straight towards christofascism, but we're still a ways from door-to-door executions. What's already happening and what will probably keep happening before we reach that point is the erosion of human rights, particularly LGBTQ+ (especially for trans people right now, with the insane number of bills being proposed to legislate us out of existence and the sharp increase of anti-trans/ anti-queer violence) and POC, because if they really do just start killing anyone left now, they'll have to actually deal with leftists performing self-defense and fighting back when there's still MANY leftists who are able to.

 

[killerrin]

Any woman in any red state is in immediate danger. Once they strip your rights away get the fuck out.

Click to shrink...

Onces the rights are gone, you are basically gambling with your chances to esape. Which is what makes this so terrifying for those effected.

 

[Mesoian]

I mean...no more so than normally, which...if you aren't cis/white/male in this country, is already pretty high.

 

[El Bombastico]

go outside

Click to shrink...

.

 

[Volimar]

If you're not cis/straight/white yeah I'd say your danger level rises more than it already is.

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These are the people who'd probably have to worry. But I doubt it'd get to door ro door executions. More like harassing and assaulting them when they see them out.

Stop binging The Purge OP.

 

[Jakisthe]

Immediate danger? Yes, of course, that's hyperbole. Sheesh. What do you think is going to happen, the second SCOTUS issues a "Democracy is illegal" ruling people in deep red areas start sending out kill squads? Like someone else said,

go outside

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And I'm an immigrant woman with a noticeable accent. Absolute absurdity.

 

[Onebadlion]

I don't think this is something worth worrying about yet. It's just going to stress you out and it'll probably never happen anyway

 

[Vish]

The trajectory is door to door in red states with some being worse than others, they will go all out. But its really hard to stop. Like you have to get the supreme court now.

 

[wenis]

you'll be fine. you're in no more danger than you already are if you're a minority in this country. maybe some good ol' boys will feel emboldened to speak up more and kick up the verbal harassment more, but its not like you're gunna see mass executions in the streets.

 

[Thordinson]

It's not so much left-leaning folks but folks in a minority group.

Immediate danger? Yes, of course, that's hyperbole. Sheesh. What do you think is going to happen, the second SCOTUS issues a "Democracy is illegal" ruling people in deep red areas start sending out kill squads? Like someone else said,

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It really depends. Attacks on the LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities put folks in immediate danger. These attacks are going to get worse.

If you're not cis/straight/white yeah I'd say your danger level rises more than it already is.

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This.

 

[mbpm]

Too much variance in areas within a red state to get a real answer here. From roving street gangs? If you live in an area where this already happens you would expect more. If this happens in an area where this is not common I don't think that will happen right away though.

 

[Jakisthe]

It really depends. Attacks on the LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities put folks in immediate danger. These attacks are going to get worse.

Click to shrink...

I disagree and think this just relies on a *much* too broad definition of "immediate danger".

 

[Milky Way]

Maybe? Maybe not? POC and LGBT+ will be the first to know.

What I will say is that while I agree fear mongering about "another civil war" and all that stuff isn't helpful, we do need to figure something out.

Click to shrink...

There's nothing fear mongering about the real danger that people and this country is in. I don't think it will be a formal "civil war", but it will be something. That's certain.

 

[Thordinson]

I disagree and think this just relies on a *much* too broad definition of "immediate danger".

Click to shrink...

The attacks on the AAPI community have put folks in the hospital and folks have died from them. LGBTQ+ attacks have led to people being put into the hospital as well.

 

[Samenamenick]

Lol? The vast vast majority of folks have, and continue to co-exist regardless of political leanings. Most have lives to lead, and things to do, that generally don't involve perpetrating actual violence on their political rivals. This continues to be true.

Trump was in office for 4 years. What you described as a potential outcome did not occur, by and large. There has been a dem pres for almost 2 years. What you described as a potential has not yet occurred.

As much as this forum would like to state otherwise, life in general for progressives (and really, everyone else) is now better that it has ever been. I assume that trend will continue. Irl.

The information age has given us the most transparency as to the machinations of life on earth, in this case to some folks' detriment.

Keep fighting the good fight, and take care of your family. You'll be fine.

 

[Thordinson]

As much as this forum would like to state otherwise, life in general for progressives (and really, everyone else) is now better that it has ever been. I assume that trend will continue. Irl.

Click to shrink...

Things are trending worse for the AAPI and LGBTQ+ communities. Not to mention things have become worse for anyone who can give birth.

 

[Milky Way]

Lol? The vast vast majority of folks have, and continue to co-exist regardless of political leanings. Most have lives to lead, and things to do, that generally don't involve perpetrating actual violence on their political rivals. This continues to be true.

Trump was in office for 4 years. What you described as a potential outcome did not occur, by and large. There has been a dem pres for almost 2 years. What you described as a potential has not yet occurred.

As much as this forum would like to state otherwise, life in general for progressives (and really, everyone else) is now better that it has ever been. I assume that trend will continue. Irl.

The information age has given us the most transparency as to the machinations of life on earth, in this case to some folks' detriment.

Keep fighting the good fight, and take care of your family. You'll be fine.

Click to shrink...

This is certainly a take

 

[Trey]

go outside

Click to shrink...

I'm saying

 

[Teusery]

Feels weird to see how flippantly people are dismissing stuff like this only because Americans have grown used to an insane amount of violence. Basically if OP is white-passing then they don't have to worry about growing right-wing violence besides the occasional (sometimes racially motivated) mass shootings or the (sometimes racially motivated) police brutality cases that happen every day.

I mean, I don't disagree, but don't act like OP is out of their minds for being concerned with the direction of the country.

Anyway, OP I think your concern is hyperbolic but only in the sense that we are some years and disasters out from anyone feeling bold enough to go door-to-door rounding people up. Oppression, at the start, is probably going to be a lot of Republicans fucking around with the laws and legalities mostly.

 

[Onebadlion]

This is certainly a take

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It's more right than wrong though

 

[devenger]

Proud Boys are showing up at drag shows to start shit. Them switching to any other group they dont like is not that much of a stretch. All it takes is to be labeled "un-American".

 

[mbpm]

I agree with the first half of the post but all this

As much as this forum would like to state otherwise, life in general for progressives (and really, everyone else) is now better that it has ever been. I assume that trend will continue. Irl.

The information age has given us the most transparency as to the machinations of life on earth, in this case to some folks' detriment.

Keep fighting the good fight, and take care of your family. You'll be fine.

Click to shrink...

👀 tho

 

[Milky Way]

It's more right than wrong though

Click to shrink...

Saying life is better for progressives right now after stripping roe v wade, and the Supreme Court deeming elections useless next year, and they expect life to continue to get better as time goes on? Really? Lmao. While the GOP continue to target LGBTQ people and people of color. For sure

 

[collige]

It really depends. Attacks on the LGBTQ+ and AAPI communities put folks in immediate danger. These attacks are going to get worse.

Click to shrink...

I agree, but I don't think the main thing holding them back is the state of the federal government. I think those attacks would best be described as "reactionary" and while the worsening political climate is definitely going to accelerate the growth of those reactionary and hateful impulses in the public, things have been getting worse regardless. Those attacks are also random rather than the type of organized murder the OP was talking about.

 

[Thordinson]

I agree, but I don't think the main thing holding them back is the state of the federal government. I think those attacks would best be described as "reactionary" and while the worsening political climate is definitely going to accelerate the growth of those reactionary and hateful impulses in the public, things have been getting worse regardless. Those attacks are also random rather than the type of organized murder the OP was talking about.

Click to shrink...

Gotcha. That's fair.

Though, the attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have been organized by groups like the Proud Boys and Twitter accounts like Libs of TikTok.

 

[Bentendo24]

My honest opinion is that things suck but you're being a bit too dramatic.

Unless you were personally in DC, I really don't see why you would have been afraid for your wife's safety during Jan 6. It was a stupid day and the obvious outcome of it occurred.

Give it time. Eventually with some clarity and some dying of old people life will probably get a bit more normal as the younger generation starts to take over.... I'm not saying it'll be a progressive paradise, but I do think the issues we care deeply about will start to be "common sense" issues amongst everyone. Religion is declining faster than it ever has, let's just view this as their last hurrah before they go kaput.

 

[Samenamenick]

Things are trending worse for the AAPI and LGBTQ+ communities. Not to mention things have become worse for anyone who can give birth.

Click to shrink...

Fair enough. AAPI violence over say 20-30 years, I'd be interested in seeing statistics. LGBTQ+, I mean c'mon. It wasn't even much of a conversation 30 years ago. For example, gender identity as a known concept may as well have not existed to 99% of folks. Now it is. RvW, we just can't know impact as decision is so recent.

But anyway I read the post as whether actual widespread irl violence increasing is extreme hyperbole or not. I'm very confident it is. I will reiterate that we shouldn't rest on our laurels as a result. Keep fighting. I am

 

[John Rabbit]

I think the vast majority of people don't actually give enough of a shit about what other people think and do in their personal lives to willingly and suddenly start being vigilantes for the State. You're safe insofar as the Proud Boys are highly unlikely to knock down your door and haul you into a camp. You're in danger in that deeply Conservative areas will continue to become less and less socially progressive and regulated places. The quality and availability of goods, services and institutions is likely to decline faster there. If you're anything other than a straight white man that danger definitely increases but that's always been the case.

 

[heathen earth]

If you're white, cis, straight and male, you probably have nothing to worry about. Otherwise, it's likely time to make preparations to move to a less hostile area.

It kind of bothers me how a lot of people in here are just dismissing the worries of marginalized communities. Half the country just had their rights to bodily autonomy taken away. The Supreme Court is openly telling LGBT people that they're planning to invalidate our marriages and criminalize loving each other. No, we don't have brownshirts roaming the streets, beating people and smashing up Jewish-owned shops. Yet. The signals are very clear though.

 

[MDSVeritas]

I think there's certainly valid reasons for folks in marginalized communities to be conscious of where they live. But that's always been the case honestly and sadly. What you're describing is something very different though, and one I will echo other in saying: I think you are catastrophizing a bit. Despite some truly shitty news lately there is nothing to indicate the US is on the verge of right wing militias going door to door.

 

[mbpm]

Fair enough. AAPI violence over say 20-30 years, I'd be interested in seeing statistics. LGBTQ+, I mean c'mon. It wasn't even much of a conversation 30 years ago. For example, gender identity as a known concept may as well have not existed to 99% of folks. Now it is. RvW, we just can't know impact as decision is so recent.

Click to shrink...

I see some of this point but i don't think representation would trump actual reactionary violence and increased attacks.

What I think you're saying though, is that everything in the media about attacks, laws, and slandering by public figures, all of this that has been put out there, is trust amplification of everything that was already there and happened all the time with the same frequency in "olden" times. That none of this is new, or increased, and that laws were already bad, so we in fact shouldn't worry about it, that just like the bump in crime from something like 2020, all this data is just cherry picked peaks from a long decreasing pattern overall through time. Is this what you mean?

Bc if so, I don't really see a reason not to rest on my laurels tbh everything is going up all the time, the arc of history bending towards Bethlehem etc