By Steve Barasch
The Direct Challenges posed by Political and Religious Nostalgia is best reasoned by first understanding what “rosy retrospection” means. It’s a fancy way of saying that people often remember the past as being better than it really was. This means that our minds tend to highlight the good parts of past events and downplay the bad parts. Over time, we forget the negative feelings and only remember the positive ones. This makes us think the past was more enjoyable or better than the present.
For example, think about a vacation you took. Even if there were travel delays or bad weather, you might only remember the fun times. Another example is childhood. Even if you faced challenges or hardships, you might recall it as a time of joy and simplicity. Our brains do this to help us feel happier and more content with our lives.
Rosy retrospection affects how we make decisions too. We might plan future activities based on our overly positive memories of similar past experiences. This tendency can shape how we see ourselves and our personal stories.
So, in short, rosy retrospection makes us remember the past more fondly. Some may call it nostalgia or just the ‘good old’ days.’
Enter Political Nostalgia
Some political and religious leaders use nostalgia for the past to gain support and power. This strategy works well because people often look for information that matches what they already believe. This creates an echo chamber, or information bubble where only certain ideas are reinforced, making those nostalgic messages even stronger. Understanding rosy retrospection helps explain why these nostalgic political messages are so powerful. Leaders use this natural tendency to make their messages emotionally appealing, which can make it harder for people to challenge these ideas with facts or logical arguments.
When leaders emphasize how bad things are today and glorify a past era as a “golden age,” it naturally stirs up emotions in people, making them long for the return of those better days. This emotional response can be powerful and persuasive. It is not confined to the extreme right or the extreme left. Here are a couple of examples where this strategy has been used:
1. Make America Great Again (MAGA) – Donald Trump
- Example: Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” slogan is a prime example of using nostalgia to evoke a sense of loss and a desire to return to a better time. By focusing on an undefined era when America was supposedly stronger, more prosperous, or more moral, Trump tapped into the frustrations of those who felt left behind by modern changes. This message resonated with many, leading to strong emotional support that was less about specific policies and more about a yearning for a past that may not have been as ideal as remembered.
2. The New Deal Era – Bernie Sanders
- Example: Bernie Sanders often talks about the mid-20th century, particularly the New Deal era, as a time when the government actively worked to reduce inequality and support the working class. He frequently calls for a return to the policies of Franklin D. Roosevelt, evoking a time when the social safety net was stronger, and economic opportunity seemed more attainable. This creates a sense of longing for a time when, in Sanders’ narrative, America better cared for its citizens, especially the working class.
In both cases, the leaders are tapping into a natural human tendency to idealize the past and view it as a better time, which can make their messages emotionally appealing and persuasive. These nostalgic narratives make it easier for people to support these leaders, even when the realities of the past may have been more complex or challenging than they remember.
This is a partial list of who have used nostalgic references to shape their political strategies and narratives, some for better and some for worse.
- Adolf Hitler-Germany
- Benito Mussolini-Italy
- Ronald Reagan-USA
- Margaret Thatcher-UK
- Vladimir Putin-Russia
- Donald Trump-USA
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan-Turkey
- Narendra Modi-India
- Hugo Chávez-Venezuela
- Boris Johnson-UK
- Jair Bolsonaro-Brazil
- Joseph Stalin-Russia
- Franklin D. Roosevelt-USA
- Xi Jinping-China
- Kim Jong-un-North Korea
- Winston Churchill-UK
- Indira Gandhi-India
- Robert Mugabe-Zimbabwe
- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi-Egypt
- Rodrigo Duterte-Philippines
As mentioned earlier, the use of nostalgia is not limited to political leaders; religious leaders often use the same strategy to draw followers and strengthen their influence. By appealing to a past era when religious values were more prominent and society was, in their view, more moral and orderly, these leaders can evoke a longing for a return to those perceived better days. This can be particularly powerful in times of social change or uncertainty when people are looking for stability and reassurance. It’s also very exclusive and dangerous.
Examples of Religious Leaders Using Nostalgia:
- Ayatollah Khomeini – Iran
- Example: Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution, often spoke about a time before Western influence, when Islamic principles supposedly guided society more fully. He used this nostalgia to rally support for the establishment of the Islamic Republic, portraying it as a return to Iran’s true, religious roots. This strategy was effective in garnering support among those who felt alienated by the secular policies of the Shah and who longed for a society governed by Islamic values.
- Evangelical Leaders in the United States
- Example: Many evangelical leaders in the United States invoke the 1950s as a time when the country was more closely aligned with Christian values. They often point to this era as a golden age of American morality, contrasting it with what they see as the moral decline in modern times. This narrative appeals to followers who are concerned about issues like same-sex marriage, abortion, and the perceived erosion of traditional family structures, encouraging them to support movements that promise a return to these past values. Over time, the Moral Majority’s influence has evolved and expanded through various organizations and movements. Although the Moral Majority itself disbanded in the late 1980s, its legacy lives on through the Christian Right, which includes a wide array of evangelical groups such as Focus on the Family, the Family Research Council, and more recently, organizations like the National Christian Foundation and various other evangelical political advocacy groups.
By using nostalgia, these religious leaders can create a powerful emotional appeal that resonates with their followers. This strategy can make it difficult for people to critically assess the realities of the past and the complexities of the present, leading them to support policies or movements that may not actually serve their best interests or align with the true history of the era being idealized.
The growing mix of political and religious nostalgia is becoming a direct challenge to the basic freedoms that our Constitution protects. When leaders use a romanticized version of the past, often tied to religious values, they can push for laws and policies that fit their beliefs. While this can appeal to many people, it risks weakening the important separation of church and state in America such as Christian Nationalism in America. In other countries, ISIS and The Taliban are prime examples.
How This Affects Our Freedoms:
- Blurring Church and State:
- The Constitution ensures that religion and government stay separate. But when political and religious nostalgia mix, it can blur these lines, leading to laws based on specific religious beliefs. This can marginalize people who don’t share those beliefs and threaten religious freedom.
- Threatening Individual Rights:
- Movements driven by nostalgia often focus on “traditional” values, which might not align with the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. For example, efforts to limit LGBTQ+ rights or restrict abortion access are often justified through religious rhetoric, infringing on the rights of others.
- Creating Division:
- This mix has created a divide, making those who don’t fit into the idealized past feel excluded or threatened. This goes against the Constitution’s promise of equality and justice for everyone.
Examples:
- Religious Laws:
- There have been pushes for laws allowing people to refuse service based on religious beliefs, especially affecting LGBTQ+ individuals. While these laws are framed as protecting religious freedom, they can infringe on the constitutional rights of others to be treated equally.
- School Curriculum Battles:
- Some efforts aim to bring religious teachings back into public schools or restrict the teaching of certain scientific ideas, like evolution. These actions challenge the Constitution’s goal of keeping public education secular. For example, in June 2024 Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana signed a law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public classroom in Louisiana. He told parents against it, “Tell your child not to look”.
In short, mixing political and religious nostalgia can change how we make laws and policies, often in ways that challenge the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. It’s important to balance these nostalgic ideas with the need to protect the diverse rights that are the foundation of American democracy.
This brings the question of why so many in racial and religious minority groups align themselves with a presidential candidate who is a racist supporting voter suppression amongst many other things. Again, it is complicated and to understand it one has to look at it on the individual level. The following is a brief outline of that level.
1. Alignment on Specific Issues
Many individuals may prioritize certain policy positions over others. For example, some religious minorities might align with conservative positions on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, or other ‘traditional family values’ issues, which can lead them to support leaders or movements that promote these views, despite other divisive rhetoric.
2. Economic Interests
Economic policies that promise lower taxes, deregulation, or job creation can appeal to minorities who feel they might benefit economically from such measures. The prospect of economic stability and growth can outweigh concerns about social policies or divisive language.
3. Perception of Shared Values
Cultural or religious values often play a significant role in shaping political beliefs. Minority individuals who share traditional or conservative values may feel a stronger connection to leaders who espouse these ideals, even if they use divisive rhetoric against other groups.
4. Desire for Strong Leadership
In times of perceived crisis or instability, some people, including those from minority groups, may gravitate toward leaders who project strength and decisiveness. The appeal of strong leadership and a promise to restore order can resonate, especially if they feel threatened by social or economic changes.
5. Social Identity and Belonging
Minority individuals who feel marginalized within broader society might find a sense of identity and belonging within a political movement, even one that uses divisive rhetoric. Being part of a group that shares similar values or experiences can provide a sense of solidarity and community.
6. Influence of Media and Information Bubbles
Just as with majority groups, minority individuals can be influenced by the media they consume. Media outlets that support certain leaders or movements can create echo chambers, reinforcing positive views of these leaders and downplaying negative aspects.
7. Strategic Alliances
Some minority groups might support a particular leader or movement as a strategic alliance, believing that this support will lead to greater influence or concessions on issues important to them. This pragmatic approach involves prioritizing long-term gains over immediate concerns.
Case Examples
Cuban Americans in Florida: Many Cuban Americans, particularly in Florida, have historically supported Republican candidates, including Donald Trump. This support is often linked to the Republican Party’s hardline stance against the Cuban government and communism, which resonates deeply with Cuban exiles who fled the Castro regime.
African American and Latino Evangelicals: Certain segments of the African American and Latino evangelical communities support conservative policies on social issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage. This alignment on religious and moral grounds can lead to support for candidates who champion these issues, despite other controversial positions.
Economic Conservatives: Some minority business owners and professionals might support conservative economic policies that they believe will benefit their financial interests. Lower taxes and less regulation are appealing factors that can lead them to overlook other aspects of a leader’s rhetoric or policy
Understanding rosy retrospection helps explain why nostalgic political messages, such as those used by movements like MAGA, can be so effective. By tapping into this cognitive bias, leaders can create compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with their audience, making it challenging to counter these perceptions with objective facts and rational argument.
Thinking Things Over
Critical thinking is carefully and thoughtfully processing information to understand and solve problems or make decisions. It is crucial for understanding complex issues, making informed decisions, and solving problems. It involves analyzing information, evaluating evidence, and being open and curious about new ideas. Developing these skills can help you navigate information more effectively and contribute to discussions and decisions in a meaningful way. When individuals lack critical thinking skills, they become susceptible to manipulation and propaganda by others who may have their own interests at heart. They blindly accept what they are told without questioning its validity, source or considering alternative perspectives. People tend to seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs leading to those echo chambers that reinforce nostalgic narratives.
News Sources
Today, many people don’t trust traditional news sources, with around 60% to 70% of Americans expressing concerns about bias and accuracy. This distrust leads them to seek news from alternative sources, often on social media. However, social media platforms create echo chambers, where people only see information that matches their existing beliefs. These platforms use algorithms to show users more of what they already agree with, reinforcing their views and making it harder to encounter different perspectives. This deepens divisions and makes it harder to understand and address important issues.
This is true for both right-wing leaners and left-wing leaners extremist or not. Both sides tend to seek out news and information that aligns with their existing beliefs, often turning to social media and alternative sources where they can find content that reinforces their views. This creates the aforementioned echo chambers, where they are exposed only to information that supports their perspective, making it even harder to see or understand other viewpoints.
Players
Making matters worse players like Russia, China, and Iran play both sides of the coin. They exploit divisions by targeting both right-wingers and left-wingers, spreading disinformation that appeals to each group’s existing biases. By doing this, they can amplify conflicts, increase polarization, and create instability within a country. These tactics are designed to weaken the social and political fabric of nations by deepening mistrust.
Foreign actors use a variety of tactics to drive division and spread misinformation, including:
- Memes: Simple, easily shareable images with provocative or misleading messages that can quickly go viral.
- Fake News Sites: Websites that mimic legitimate news sources but publish fabricated stories designed to mislead readers and reinforce false narratives. To make the site believable they will have stories that all true and verifiable and mix in those that aren’t. The reader will think that because they have true stories then all the stories must be true.
- Social Media Bots: Automated accounts that amplify divisive content and fake news by spreading it rapidly across platforms.
- Deepfakes: Manipulated videos or audio that make it appear as though someone said or did something they never actually did.
- Phishing Campaigns: Targeting individuals or groups with misleading information to create mistrust or provoke reactions.
These tools are used to exploit existing social and political divisions, making it easier to manipulate public opinion, spread conspiracy theories and weaken trust in democratic processes.
The Addiction
It captures the powerful and potentially harmful effects of longing for an idealized past. Just as opioids can provide a temporary escape from pain and reality, political and religious nostalgia offers a comforting narrative that simplifies complex societal issues and provides a sense of security and belonging. However, like an addiction, it can also have negative consequences, such as:
- Escapism: Just as opioids can lead to escapism, political nostalgia can cause individuals to retreat into an idealized vision of the past, ignoring present challenges and complexities.
- Dependency: Both opioids and political nostalgia can create dependency. People may cling to nostalgic narratives as a source of comfort and identity, becoming resistant to new information or perspectives that challenge their beliefs.
- Distortion of Reality: Opioids can alter perception, leading to a distorted sense of reality. Similarly, political nostalgia can distort historical realities, emphasizing positive aspects while downplaying or ignoring negative elements, such as social inequalities or injustices.
- Avoidance of Solutions: Just as addiction can prevent individuals from addressing underlying issues, nostalgia can distract from finding real solutions to contemporary problems. It can lead to a resistance to change and a reluctance to embrace new ideas and policies.
- Polarization and Division: Political nostalgia often involves a selective memory that idealizes the past at the expense of others’ experiences. This can create or reinforce divisions within society, as people become more entrenched in their views and less willing to engage with those who have different perspectives.
The Wrap
While nostalgia can be a source of comfort and identity, it can also be detrimental if it leads to a refusal to engage with the present or future constructively. Like an addiction, it requires careful management to avoid negative outcomes and ensure a healthy engagement with reality. When you see or hear a political or religious leader whining and complaining how bad everything is today and how good it was yesterday, beware. Encouraging critical thinking, promoting historical accuracy, and fostering open dialogue are essential steps in easing the potentially harmful effects of political and religious nostalgia.
In Part II a closer look at the Christian Right will be examined.
Author’s Note:
Some of the most reliable news sources known for accuracy and in-depth analysis include:
- The Associated Press (AP): Known for straightforward, fact-based reporting without a strong bias.
- Reuters: A global news agency with a reputation for impartial reporting.
- BBC News: Offers in-depth analysis and coverage of global events with a balanced approach.
- The New York Times: Renowned for its investigative journalism and detailed reporting.
- NPR (National Public Radio): Provides thorough and balanced news coverage with a focus on factual accuracy.
These sources strive to maintain journalistic standards, including verifying facts and offering diverse perspectives.
Related: The Misuse of a Powerful Term
Sources for this article:
BBC News – How a new Christian right is changing US politics
BBC News
Pew Research Center – Social Media and News Fact Sheet
Social Media and News Fact Sheet
AllSides – The Influence of the Christian Right in American Politics
What is the Role of Christianity in American Politics Today?
Pew Research Center – Evangelical Support for Trump
Most White Americans who regularly attend worship services voted for Trump in 2020
The Conversation – The Role of Nostalgia in Political Messaging
The Conversation
The Atlantic – Franklin Graham
How can people who claim to be followers of Jesus support a man of undisguised moral degeneracy?
Simply Psychology – Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive Dissonance
Verywell Mind – Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive Dissonance and the Discomfort of Holding Conflicting Beliefs
