By Matt Underwood Seeing a close ally of Donald Trump wave a crucifix while calling Kamala Harris the “antichrist” at a rally in New York City makes my stomach turn. It’s a disturbing tableau that not only highlights the absurdity of their rhetoric but also serves as a grim reminder of the way politics has devolved into a theatrical spectacle of hate and division. This isn’t merely a matter of differing political opinions; it’s emblematic of a broader cultural crisis that has seeped into our very social fabric.
This rally felt less like a political gathering and more like a performance meant to incite fear and rally a base that thrives on conspiracy and division. The man waving the crucifix, likely forgetting that such symbols represent compassion and love, instead wielded it as a weapon against an opponent, joining a long line of individuals who have hijacked religion to justify their hate. It’s easy to label this as cult-like behavior, where reason is tossed aside and allegiance to a figurehead takes precedence over any semblance of logic or morality. The language dehumanizing Harris creates an environment where disrespect runs rampant, and it feels intentionally crafted to bolster an “us versus them” mentality.
It’s bizarre how a faction that often positions itself as the bearers of Christian values are the first to disregard the foundational aspects of those values—love, humility, and understanding. When I hear someone associate Harris with the antichrist, it’s hard not to chuckle in disbelief. The irony of using such Christian symbolism while espousing a narrative steeped in venom and condemnation simply reeks of hypocrisy. How could someone espouse the teachings of Christ while engaging in such derision and vitriol? This disregard for the message of love and acceptance that lies at the heart of Christianity is not just upsetting; it’s a betrayal of the faith itself.
These accusations, once levied against former President Obama and now against Harris, illustrate a disturbing trend: whenever a person of color rises to power or prominence, they are summarily demonized. It speaks volumes about the deep-seated racism that still plagues our nation. The rush to label individuals who challenge the status quo as evil reflects not just a political strategy but a profound fear of change and progress that many in the MAGA crowd cling to. It’s frankly embarrassing to witness such blatant projection, where the individuals who toss around accusations of being antichrist-like often exhibit the very traits they claim to abhor. The person who wields such accusations so freely offers a textbook example of this psychological phenomenon.
The rally’s atmosphere also betrays a struggle for power; it’s a desperate cry from those who feel their way of life slipping away. By positioning people like Harris as threats to their values, they hold on to a narrative that serves to galvanize their base, even at the expense of civil discourse and basic decency. This has turned the political arena into a battleground for ideologies rather than a space for thoughtful dialogue and democratic engagement. The consequences of this kind of hateful rhetoric can be dire, leading not only to further polarization but also to a culture where violence and aggression are seen as acceptable responses to political opposition.
Witnessing such brazen displays of hatred and misinformation can leave one feeling despondent. I grapple with the notion of how far removed we’ve become as a society when shameful behavior is not only accepted but celebrated by segments of our population. It’s as if we stand at a precipice, with one path leading toward a more united, compassionate society and the other leading further into the depths of hostility and division. The choice we face is simple yet profound: do we elevate the discourse or do we allow this hate to fester?
As I reflect on the sickening spectacle at that rally, I’m left with a sense of urgency. This is not just about one rally or one politician. This is about the heart and soul of our nation. I genuinely fear for the future if we do not collectively reject this kind of behavior. The embers of division are heating up, and we must work together to extinguish them before they consume everything meaningful about who we are as a country. The time has come for all of us to stand up against the hate and call out the hypocrisy before it leads us to a place we cannot return from. Let’s not allow ourselves to be Donald Ducked any longer.