Deprogramming MAGA Parents through Book Clubs
One sleepless night in July, Valeen Heinle found herself embroiled in a heated debate with her Trump-supporting father over the conflict in Gaza. In an impassioned Instagram message, she implored him to explore perspectives beyond Facebook, Fox, or Newsmax, recommending history books that countered his confirmation bias.
Their argument wasn't confined to Gaza alone; issues like the Covid-19 vaccine, climate change, gun laws, and the controversial 2020 election results had also polarized them. Valeen, a registered Democrat from Denver, felt disheartened by her father's move toward far-right beliefs, which he often exacerbated through his online engagements. It wasn't just the debates that were taxing but hearing his views turned downright painful for Valeen.
Following an intense discussion about Gaza, Valeen decided on a novel approach to bridge this ideological divide through reading. She proposed a barter: her father would read three particular books, and she would attend church for a month in return. This deal aimed to spark reflection and potentially soften rigid stances.
This concept of book clubs as a tool for ‘deprogramming’ has resonated with many navigating the tumultuous Trump era. Reddit threads are lively with discussions about suitable reading recommendations for parents entrenched in MAGA ideologies. The idea is to select books that gently introduce alternative viewpoints without overt confrontation.
Book club efforts sometimes fail to mend relationships strained by political differences, prompting individuals to distance themselves for personal peace. A relevant study indicated that 50% of adults reported estrangement from close relatives, with a fifth of cases driven by political dissonance. However, for individuals like Dominique Forbes, maintaining a connection, no matter how tenuous, is crucial.
Steven Hassan, a cult expert, suggests tact in handling such polarizing situations. Counterproductive efforts focused on arguing facts or insulting ideologies often backfire, emphasizing the need for warmth, understanding, and questions that stimulate self-reflection. Hassan highlights that reminding someone of their pre-brainwashing identity can also be a potent method to foster personal insight.
Valeen's commitment stems from her personal experience with books transforming her worldview. Raised in an Evangelical household, she left the church at 25 after exploring different philosophies. Her transformation illustrates how books can challenge entrenched beliefs and encourage critical thinking.
For her father, Valeen chose titles like The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine, Jesus and John Wayne, and Poverty, by America—books potentially illuminating overlooked aspects of history, theology, and socio-economics.
Despite their political divide, Valeen maintains hope for a common ground with her father, driven by a deeply rooted bond that she refuses to sever. As political climates evolve, strategies like book clubs may pave new paths for understanding, or at least provide a foundation for dialogue where heated debates once stood.
