America is Babylon - How Historical Conditioning Led to the Rise of Fascism

Babylon is the archetype of a nation or empire that is consumed with wealth, power, and a disregard for justice.

Sadly America has chosen fascism over freedom. The strongholds of racism and sexism trumps clear thinking and personal safety. The rise of ideologies and leaders that promote division and authoritarianism over unity and genuine freedom is problematic, especially when it seems that such choices are fueled by long-standing strongholds like racism, sexism, and fear. The idea that people would favor leaders whose actions threaten democracy and stability underscores just how powerful these societal and spiritual strongholds are.

1. Understanding Strongholds

• Definition: In biblical terms, strongholds are deeply ingrained patterns of thought, attitudes, and social structures that oppose God’s truth (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). Racism and sexism are more than just individual prejudices; they are reinforced by cultural norms, policies, and even religious teachings that perpetuate inequality.
• Impact on Society: These strongholds can warp collective thinking, causing people to act against their own well-being and the common good. When a nation becomes polarized and captivated by fear or ideology, it can choose leaders and paths that lead away from truth and justice.

2. The Power of Fear and Division

• Exploiting Divisions: Leaders who thrive on division often amplify existing fears and resentments. This is especially effective in nations with unresolved historical issues like racism and sexism. These unresolved sins allow for manipulation that exploits people's insecurities, turning them against those who seek unity and justice.
• Blindness to Consequences: When strongholds are deeply rooted, they cloud judgment and make people susceptible to messages that would otherwise seem irrational or counter to their values and safety. This is why individuals and groups might support policies or leaders that are ultimately harmful, prioritizing power or identity over democratic principles and the well-being of all.

3. Endurance

• A Long Journey: The road ahead for America may indeed be difficult, marked by division and the strengthening of oppressive ideologies. But history also shows that while strongholds may seem insurmountable, they are not unbreakable. Movements that bring lasting change often arise from moments of darkness, where a committed few persist against all odds.

Conditioned

America is conditioned. It is like the descendants of European settlers and European immigrants have Stockholm syndrome. They have been groomed to believe that there is a culture war and they embrace policies and elected officials who work against their better interest. White poverty in America is real, yet many white people in poverty believe that immigrants and Black & brown people are the problem, not the elected officials who govern against their best interest.

The analogy to Stockholm syndrome—where captives develop an attachment to their captors despite being mistreated—aptly describes the situation where people align themselves with leaders or ideologies that ultimately harm them. This conditioning stems from generations of cultural, economic, and political grooming that has deeply influenced beliefs, behaviors, and social structures.

1. The Root of Conditioning

• Historical Grooming: The idea of a "culture war" has roots in a long history of leaders and systems exploiting divisions to consolidate power. In the U.S., race and ethnicity have been weaponized for centuries to create divides that benefit those in power. The narrative that immigrants and Black people are the cause of economic or social decline is a deflection, allowing those in power to maintain control by diverting attention from systemic issues.
• Economic Policies: Policies favoring the wealthy have often been dressed in patriotic or moral rhetoric to garner support from the working and middle classes, particularly among white Americans. This has led many to vote for politicians and policies that promise protection from perceived threats but end up widening economic and social inequalities.

2. White Poverty and Misplaced Blame

• Real Economic Struggles: White poverty in America is a significant, yet often overlooked, issue. Rural and former industrial areas, in particular, have suffered from economic stagnation and job loss as industries have evolved or moved overseas. Instead of addressing these root causes, narratives have emerged blaming immigrants and minorities for taking jobs or resources.
• Scapegoating as a Strategy: Political and media narratives often promote fear of "the other" to create unity among a particular demographic. This strategy is powerful because it appeals to deeply ingrained fears and a desire for identity and belonging. It is easier to unite people against an external "enemy" than to address the complexities of economic policies or systemic inequalities.

3. Media and Political Manipulation

• Creating a Culture War: The idea of a culture war has been reinforced by influential voices in media and politics, who emphasize ideological battles over race, religion, and national identity. These narratives distract from economic realities and prioritize social issues that evoke strong emotional responses. This manipulation makes it difficult for people to see how their economic and social conditions are being affected by the policies of those they support.
• Amplifying Division: The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception. Certain news outlets and social media platforms amplify divisive content and use algorithms that promote stories designed to evoke outrage. This continuous exposure solidifies group identities and positions, making it difficult to break out of conditioned beliefs.

4. The Role of Fear and Identity

• Fear as a Tool: Fear is one of the most effective tools in conditioning. The fear of losing jobs, security, or cultural identity can be powerful enough to override logic and self-interest. Political figures and groups who use fear effectively can manipulate public opinion, framing themselves as the only safeguard against the erosion of traditional values or economic stability.
• Cultural Identity and Power: Many white Americans may feel that their cultural and economic dominance is being threatened in a rapidly diversifying society. This fear, whether rational or not, has been fueled by rhetoric that frames minority groups as competitors or threats. This contributes to a sense of nostalgia for an idealized past and a resistance to social change, even when that change could benefit all.

Conclusion

America’s deep-seated conditioning, shaped by centuries of systemic issues and reinforced by powerful rhetoric, has created a society that often acts against its best interests. Recognizing and addressing this conditioning is the first step toward fostering a nation where people make choices based on truth, empathy, and justice, rather than fear and division. It will take persistent efforts, compassionate dialogue, and bold action to move beyond these strongholds and towards a society that respects and uplifts all its members.