I think the insane levels of American prosperity in the post war period melted white peoples brains. Most people can't see the world as existing in history. They think everything exists in logical abstractions. They see themselves as removed from disaster even in the midst of it

Pandemics can't happen in America because of science. Race isn't real because equality. War doesn't happen because of freedom. See what i mean?

I think this pandemic broke their programming. For the first time many people were forced to see themselves as part of the brutal churning wheel of history. Nearly all men since recorded history have known tragedy and disaster. 1 generation without it and reality fades

This isn't to say tragedy and disaster are good, but when people are coaxed to sleep by laziness, consumerism and propaganda about America exceptionalism people no longer see themselves as moving pieces in the grander scheme of history