As those of you who have followed this blog throughout the ‘Reign of Trump’ know, one of my biggest frustrations has been a failure to understand the reason Trump has been given free rein, despite the fact that his values are in complete opposition to those who support him. Our friend Hugh has hosted a guest post by Jerry Stark that goes a long way toward answering the question: WHY??? It has given me much food for thought, and I will yet need to do some pondering on his words, but today I wanted to share them with you, for I think they have tremendous value. Only when we understand the forces we are fighting, do we stand much chance of bringing about a return to a kinder, saner world. Many thanks both Hugh and Jerry for permission to share this worthy post.
The following comment by Jerry Stark expanded and improved upon my attempt to explain the notion of ressentment. It is extremely well done and helps us understand the mind-set of those who follow our sitting president and worship at his shrine. I post it here with Jerry’s permission.
The concept of ressentiment is intriguing, especially when applied to our current circumstance.
Nietzsche’s (pre-postmodern) claim was that morality is defined and established by the powerful and inflicted upon those whom they dominate. He further argues that new moral regimes can emerge out of a process of ressentiment, wherein those who are viewed as social inferiors by the powerful, and who have come to view themselves as socially inferior, develop a resentful hatred against those they view as elites — their “betters”. Ressentiment is not about class consciousness; it is about the revenge of the unworthy.
Ressentiment is characterized, in part, by…
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Filosofa's Word 
Dear Jill,
I found this post by Jerry to be both enlightening and frightening at the same time. It helps to have some realization of what is going on in this Trumpian version of reality.
The conundrum is that I’m clueless on how to fight back against this Nietzsche’s ressentiment.
Hugs, Gronda
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Those were my feelings exactly. Everything he said made sense, helped answer some questions, but also left me with the feeling that we are fighting a losing battle! Sigh.
Hugs!
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Many thanks, Jill. Jerry did a remarkable job with this topic.
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He absolutely did, and thanks to you both for this post. I must admit, however, that it has been on my mind ever since I read it this afternoon, and … the ramifications are most disturbing. The more I think, the more I despair.
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The ramifications are indeed disturbing. We must hold the fort as best we can and hope reason and common sense once again come to the fore.
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