Many Americans live in a bubble. Some exist in the bubble by choice and some by circumstance. Living in small-town or rural America brings with it a certain level of sequestration where those residents have limited exposure to people outside their close-knit communities. In more urban environments, individuals of wealth may selectively build walls, hire doormen, and choose to live in towers or gated communities among others with similar financial circumstance. In both cases, isolation restricts interaction with people who might otherwise provide a more diverse experience.
These “bubble people” lack a basic knowledge beyond their bubbles and are suspicious and fearful of those they do not know. This is a breeding ground for xenophobia, racism, and nationalist ideologies. You are fearful of things outside your own bubble. You tend to blame the “others” for your problems.
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| Living In The Bubble |
The bubble doesn't make you,
but it's you that's made the bubble
And you better try to remember that it's in your head
The bubble is a very tricky thing,
And you better try to remember that it's in your head
The bubble is a very tricky thing,
all full of hype, and it's not easy to try to see
The way that things are and they'll always be
The way that things are and they'll always be
Live in a bubble, baby
But it's not the place to be
'Cause it's a place of lies and hype
Don't believe the bubble 'cause it's nothin' but a dream
And when it blows, you'll be alone
Oh yeah
But it's not the place to be
'Cause it's a place of lies and hype
Don't believe the bubble 'cause it's nothin' but a dream
And when it blows, you'll be alone
Oh yeah
Lyrics from “Living In A Bubble” by Eiffel 65
Our recent government shutdown is a good example of the chasm between the impacted every-day workers and certain wealthy “bubble people.” There has been a total lack of empathy or understanding exhibited by members of the Trump family and various wealthy politicians for those suffering through the shutdown. This is made readily apparent by their callous remarks. Statements like, “have a garage sale, borrow from your credit union, ask family for help, sell a couple of your Gucci bags, etc., are but a few examples. Yes, I made up that last one but they could have easily said that.
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The other bubble, rural America, is more likely to be tribal in their response to events. It was easy for a billionaire to come to town, hold a “tent service” and promise them a solution for all their ills. Not unlike the snake oil salesman of yore, Trump promised to protect them from the heathen hoards responsible for their plight. He promised simple and easy to understand solutions to their complex problems. Chants like “build the wall” and “drain the swamp” were easy visuals for mass consumption.
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Well, so far, instead of draining the swamp his White House selections make it look more like a Wall Street retreat. Steven Mnuchin came from Goldman Sachs where he oversaw thousands of home foreclosures following the subprime mortgage debacle. Elaine Chao, the wife of Mitch McConnell, is now Transportation Secretary and comes from a wealthy shipping company with ties to China. Oilman Rick Perry was head of Energy Transfer Partners before appointment as Energy Secretary. The list of alligators appointed to manage the swamp is seemingly endless.
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So, Donald Trump has been a champion of the “bubble people,” both the isolated rural ones and the ivory tower dwellers. He will only lose this base if he adversely affects their livelihoods. Farmers are currently hurting after the tariff battles. GM is closing plants in the US and moving production to Mexico. The impact of the government shutdown on the economy remains to be seen. Suffice it to say, with 800,000 federal employees out of work or not being paid for their work, the ripple effect will be long-lasting for millions.
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It is easy to see where such isolation foments mistrust. It seems to be one of mankind’s defense mechanisms to fear the unknown. Live in a bubble and fear whatever you envision beyond the barriers in your head. Only by opening up your mind to other ideas and experiences will you truly understand the world you live in doesn’t stop at the “Now Leaving…” sign.
Another musical reference, "Chained to the Rhythm" by Katy Perry
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