Cultural Ideals

Jim Irsay was found lying in his bed unresponsive, cold to the touch, and gasping for air during a suspected overdose in December.

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Cultural Ideals

Identity Politics, when rooted in whatever myopic philosophy you follow, essentially pares your vision down to one or two generalities that become imposed upon the individual as more than essential; it--or they--are foundational. And as such, they are purifying and exclusional. Supposedly, the cultural isolation that is hoped for will generate bonding and stabilize that identified community--for political, not social, reasons.

The conflict and isolation that result in despair and violence are not seen as failures in such a culture but rather its inevitable course. Maybe even its ideal.

The Hatfields and the McCoys are not an atavistic detour but the desirable, natural state of things.