This is part 2, here’s part 1.

Timothy McVeigh, the domestic terrorist, was responsible for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. McVeigh was drawn into far-right, anti-government ideology throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, partially through the influence of media and fringe publications that stoked his anger and fear about the U.S. government.

His exposure to militia movements and propaganda reinforced his belief that violence was necessary to defend “real Americans” from government overreach. In interviews after his arrest, McVeigh spoke of being “groomed” by the media he consumed, from conspiracy theories to extreme rhetoric, which escalated his paranoia and sense of victimhood. This case illustrates how dangerous political grooming can be when individuals are exposed to constant fear and division.

Cruelty continues to be a deliberate political strategy today, utilized by figures like Trump and JD Vance to manipulate emotions, appeal to their base, and undermine democratic values. The psychological appeal of cruelty is deeply connected to group identity, fear, and a sense of power, and modern media platforms play a critical role in amplifying these dangerous dynamics.

The Appeal of Cruelty in Politics and Its Threat to Democracy

At its core, cruelty is appealing to those who feel disenfranchised or powerless.

Political figures tap into deep emotions like fear, anger, and resentment by positioning cruelty as a form of strength. When individuals feel threatened by social or demographic changes, cruelty becomes a method of defending their way of life.

This dynamic fosters authoritarianism, where leaders like Trump break norms and embrace cruelty to project control and order. In the process, democratic principles—such as empathy, fairness, and civil discourse—are eroded.

Many MAGA supporters are drawn to “us vs. them” dynamics, where outsiders, immigrants, or marginalized groups are seen as threats. For these individuals, cruelty isn’t viewed as a moral failing but as a necessary response to protect their community.

Trump, for example, frames cruelty as strength, casting himself as the only figure willing to take extreme measures to protect his followers from perceived enemies. This dynamic undermines democracy by creating divisions instead of encouraging unity and dialogue, key components of a healthy democratic system.

Physiological and Psychological Grooming by Cruelty

The use of cruelty in politics also triggers powerful physiological responses. When individuals are exposed to fear-based rhetoric, their brain’s fight-or-flight mechanism is activated, releasing adrenaline and cortisol. This heightened emotional state creates a sense of urgency and power.

Additionally, cruelty triggers dopamine—the brain’s reward chemical—when people feel they are defending their in-group or standing up to enemies. This creates a feedback loop where cruelty becomes emotionally satisfying and a symbol of strength.

This grooming process is dangerous because it diminishes critical thinking and makes people more impulsive and prone to violence. Followers of authoritarian leaders are emotionally primed to accept cruelty as necessary, and over time, they become desensitized to violence. This grooming directly threatens democracy, as it creates a population more willing to bypass legal and institutional norms in favor of aggressive, undemocratic actions.

Media’s Role in Reinforcing Cruelty and Undermining Democracy

The media ecosystem surrounding figures like Trump plays a crucial role in amplifying and normalizing cruelty. Fox News, Newsmax, and far-right podcasts (Bannon, Stone, and others) create a constant loop of fear, anger, and validation, portraying the world as filled with existential threats.

Their coverage consistently vilifies immigrants, the left, or marginalized groups, reinforcing the idea that cruelty is necessary to protect “real” Americans.

This ecosystem primes viewers emotionally and psychologically for more extreme thoughts and actions. By normalizing fear and dehumanizing entire populations, media outlets trap their audiences in an echo chamber where cruelty is not only justified but seen as heroic.

This constant exposure leaves viewers vulnerable to manipulation, and more importantly, it erodes the foundations of democracy by fostering division, fear, and resentment rather than dialogue, empathy, and cooperation.

Shifting Perspectives: Moving Beyond Cruelty

Helping people recognize the harm of cruelty, especially those who see it as a necessary political tool is no small task. It requires a thoughtful approach that connects emotionally and practically to their experiences and values.

By appealing to personal impact and shared beliefs, it’s possible to begin reshaping how cruelty is viewed. Here are key strategies to help shift perspectives and encourage compassion over cruelty:

• Appeal to Personal Impact
  Connect cruelty’s consequences directly to their lives. Show how policies like healthcare rollbacks or environmental deregulation hurt working-class Americans and their families.
• Focus on Shared Values
  Frame cruelty as un-American. Highlight how policies like family separations or mass incarceration undermine values such as family and personal responsibility.
• Promote Alternative Leaders
  Showcase leaders who achieved strength without cruelty, like Eisenhower or Reagan, to demonstrate that effective leadership can come from compassion and diplomacy.
• Channel Fear Constructively
  Address fears by offering humane but effective solutions. For example, promote immigration reform that secures borders while creating legal pathways.
• Challenge Misinformation & Build Trust
  Gradually introduce alternative perspectives through trusted sources and personal stories. Building trust opens space for more productive conversations.

The Cost of Cruelty on Good People and Democracy

Cruelty as a political tool harms its direct targets and wears down the people who witness and oppose it. Good people who value fairness, empathy, and justice can become demoralized when cruelty is normalized.

Over time, the constant exposure to fear, division, and dehumanization erodes their ability to maintain compassion and hope. As cruelty spreads through political rhetoric and policies, it not only undermines democratic institutions but also saps the strength of those who strive to uphold them.

This emotional and moral exhaustion weakens the collective fight for a just and equitable society, making it all the more important to recognize and resist cruelty’s corrosive effects on democracy.