General Discussion

KatK

(231 posts) Mon Jan 27, 2025, 10:35 AM Jan 27

247

sociologist Jennifer Walter on what's happening in the US and what to do about it

This is pretty good!

From sociologist Jennifer Walter about what is happening in this country right now and what to do about it:

"As a sociologist, I need to tell you:

Your overwhelm is the goal.

1/ The flood of 200+ executive orders in Trump's first days exemplifies Naomi Klein's "shock doctrine" - using chaos and crisis to push through radical changes while people are too disoriented to effectively resist. This isn't just politics as usual - it's a strategic exploitation of cognitive limits.

2/ Media theorist McLuhan predicted this: When humans face information overload, they become passive and disengaged. The rapid-fire executive orders create a cognitive bottleneck, making it nearly impossible for citizens and media to thoroughly analyze any single policy.

3/ Agenda-setting theory explains the strategy: When multiple major policies compete for attention simultaneously, it fragments public discourse. Traditional media can't keep up with the pace, leading to superficial coverage.

The result? Weakened democratic oversight and reduced public engagement.

What now?

1/ Set boundaries: Pick 2-3 key issues you deeply care about and focus your attention there. You can't track everything - that's by design. Impact comes from sustained focus, not scattered awareness.

2/ Use aggregators & experts: Find trusted analysts who do the heavy lifting of synthesis. Look for those explaining patterns, not just events.

3/ Remember: Feeling overwhelmed is the point. When you recognize this, you regain some power. Take breaks. Process. This is a marathon.

4/ Practice going slow: Wait 48hrs before reacting to new policies. The urgent clouds the important. Initial reporting often misses context.

5/ Build community: Share the cognitive load. Different people track different issues. Network intelligence beats individual overload.

Remember: They want you scattered. Your focus is resistance."

62 replies

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Highlight:

sociologist Jennifer Walter on what's happening in the US and what to do about it (Original Post) KatK Jan 27 OP

It boils down to Bannon's strategy that the Trumpers are following; D. Spaulding Jan 27 #1

Yes bdamomma Jan 27 #30

NY Times said this is now Stephen Miller who is doing this. Kablooie Jan 28 #57

Which is... 2naSalit Jan 28 #60

Which leads to gnashing of teeth and rending of garments, Ocelot II Jan 27 #2

Whining? orangecrush Jan 27 #6

This is good but could you provide a link? cally Jan 27 #3

Link: chia Jan 27 #7

The author is on Bluesky: Pinback Jan 27 #8

Thanks. There is a similar but abbreviated thread here: Qutzupalotl Jan 27 #23

I agree KatK. This is good. It's already calmed somewhat. liberalla Jan 27 #4

Right on! Easterncedar Jan 27 #5

I've compared it to being hit with an AR-15 on full auto William Seger Jan 27 #9

"Your focus is resistance." SCantiGOP Jan 27 #10

Dan Rather had the same take on this, called it the Firehose effect Beringia Jan 27 #11

Duck underneath the big waves as you paddle out. DinahMoeHum Jan 27 #12

I like your analogy. Trust_Reality Jan 27 #16

As a long time surfer myself, I love that -- because KPN Jan 27 #50

Excellent advice. Thanks. nt mcar Jan 27 #13

That's exactly what happened with the 35 dollar Insulin cap supposedly ending. Ligyron Jan 27 #14

Rug being pulled out. Tell me he isn't a sociopath. Evolve Dammit Jan 27 #44

Stay Focused Haru Jan 27 #15

✅ underpants Jan 27 #18

K&R nt PunkinPi Jan 27 #17

Good advice. I'm just staying focused on the fact that Trump sucks underpants Jan 27 #19

For being the land of the free they sure are telling us what to do a lot. twodogsbarking Jan 27 #20

"Traditional media can't keep up with the pace, leading to superficial coverage." Prairie Gates Jan 27 #21

My worries are the Leaders in the Democratic party oldmanlynn Jan 27 #22

We need bdamomma Jan 27 #32

It might take some time to work out strategies MadameButterfly Jan 27 #40

This! calimary Jan 27 #24

THIS! calimary Jan 27 #25

This THis THIs and THIS!!! calimary Jan 27 #26

Emphasis Dammit!! This! Evolve Dammit Jan 27 #45

Following Baron2024 Jan 27 #27

Sadly, much of this was entirely predictable tishaLA Jan 27 #28

the nazi salute..the guatamala stuff..the threat to not send calif $... samnsara Jan 27 #29

Yeah not fooled Jan 27 #31

C-Span Evolve Dammit Jan 27 #46

This is an excellent post. I've bookmarked it. Thanks! n/t PatrickforB Jan 27 #33

Thanks for posting. This is outstanding for its specificity and Mike 03 Jan 27 #34

That's exactly how I feel.. Overwhelmed! Cha Jan 27 #35

Me too! iemanja Jan 27 #51

It made me order a Cha Jan 28 #53

I'm glad to hear you've found something that helps! iemanja Jan 28 #54

Mahalo, I wish you and others could too.. Cha Jan 28 #55

Finally - someone gets it, with props to Naomi Klein no less! It is Kashkakat v.2.0 Jan 27 #36

EXCELLENT ADVISE !! uponit7771 Jan 27 #37

. yellow dahlia Jan 27 #38

Thanks for posting this proud patriot Jan 27 #39

"How to Stand Up to a Dictator" by Maria Ressa BarbD Jan 27 #41

Thanks - link: Pinback Jan 27 #47

Sound very similar as to how to respond to "Gishgallup" surfered Jan 27 #42

Also see Amy Siskand "The List" leighbythesea2 Jan 27 #43

Good suggestions wendyb-NC Jan 27 #48

Give em the old razzle dazzle prme Jan 27 #49

See also Amy Siskand "The List" leighbythesea2 Jan 27 #52

We may fall behind for a time creeksneakers2 Jan 28 #56

Is there a link anywhere to this? AllyCat Jan 28 #58

Good advice! OldBaldy1701E Jan 28 #59

Link HumanBeingCitizen Feb 5 #61

"Video is private" Lulu KC Feb 5 #62

D. Spaulding

(170 posts)

1. It boils down to Bannon's strategy that the Trumpers are following;