Will Americans Smarter than 4th Graders Support Trump? A Cruise Ship Perspective
The notion of Trump supporters being as intelligent as fourth-graders has been a recurring theme in political discourse. However, as the latest insights from a series of luxury cruise ship experiences reveal, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as it may seem.
Deprogramming the Myth: Smarter Trump Supporters?
The assumption that all Trump supporters are unintelligent is a sweeping generalization. However, the reality found on a luxury cruise ship in 2022 reveals that there are indeed those who can think critically and engage in rational discussions.
On a luxury cruise ship in 2022, shortly after the pandemic, the diversified group of attendees included doctors, lawyers, and other professionals. The conversation at dinner tables revealed that these individuals were Trump supporters for reasons that went beyond their immediate personal benefits. This polarity in intellectual engagement is striking and underscores the complexity of political affiliations.
Hard Right and Religious Divides
The split can be observed among two distinct groups: the hard-right, white supremacist bloc and the anti-abortion crowd. Both groups send donations to Trump and praise him online, and their motivations often revolve around their respective ideologies.
During the discussions, it became clear that the anti-abortion crowd was more focused on their ideological goals, indicating a higher level of critical thinking. The white supremacists, on the other hand, were more driven by fear and prejudice, suggesting a more emotional rather than rational decision-making process.
The Canadian Perspective
The Canadian perspective on this issue differs significantly. A preference for a "Greater Good" mentality is evident in the desire to provide healthcare for all, even if there are economic challenges. In stark contrast, the American passengers on the cruise ship in question were more self-centered, with a predominant attitude of "What's in it for me?"
During these discussions, it became apparent that there was a sub-group of religious and homeschooling families who appeared to be more insular and less inclined to engage with those outside their ideological circle. This insularity was evident in their behavior on the ship, which led to a divide among the passengers.
The culmination of these experiences on multiple cruises, both in 2022 and early 2024, provided a nuanced view of the political landscape. While the 2022 cruise had a mixed group with Trump supporters among the more educated passengers, the 2024 cruise had a homogeneous and apolitical group. The difference in the political atmosphere was notable, suggesting that time or destination-specific factors may influence the political outlook of passengers.
Conclusion: The Complexity of Political Views
The experiences on these luxury cruises highlight the complexity of political views. While the assumption that all Trump supporters are unintelligent persists, the reality on the ground suggests a more nuanced understanding. The divide is not only ideological but also reflects different views on self-interest versus the greater good, with implications for political engagement and decision-making.