Chinese migrants who cross the dangerous Darién Gap said they are seeking to escape an increasingly repressive political climate and bleak economic prospects.
While true, and I am hardly a simp for laws and political climate in the US, for me the key distinction is that in the US (and other liberal democracies) you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation.
Those who have not lived under oppressive authoritarian regimes don’t have the lived-through perspective of hopelessness that comes from knowing your hands are bound, and there’s not much you can do to get out of the situation, outside of migrating to another country.
Now the reality for regulatory capture and smooth talking politicians convincing people to vote against their best interests in the West may not in reality result in really personal agency, the mere prospect of being allowed to do something about your situation itself is a powerful motivator.
My life will never get better and I live in hell, fuck off with your “you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation.” There’s nothing I can fucking do either!
You only have agency if you have money. I will never retire unless I take out a 9mm plan.
While true, and I am hardly a simp for laws and political climate in the US, for me the key distinction is that in the US (and other liberal democracies) you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation.
Those who have not lived under oppressive authoritarian regimes don’t have the lived-through perspective of hopelessness that comes from knowing your hands are bound, and there’s not much you can do to get out of the situation, outside of migrating to another country.
Now the reality for regulatory capture and smooth talking politicians convincing people to vote against their best interests in the West may not in reality result in really personal agency, the mere prospect of being allowed to do something about your situation itself is a powerful motivator.
Give it a few years, we’ll understand real authoritarianism soon enough as Americans.
lol
My life will never get better and I live in hell, fuck off with your “you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation.” There’s nothing I can fucking do either!
You only have agency if you have money. I will never retire unless I take out a 9mm plan.
I’m a bit curious to know how you’d think this would be different if you were a poor person in an authoritarian system?