I have a theory as to why the “fuck your feelings” crowd is suddenly reacting this way.
For years they shrugged off accusations of sexism, racism, homophobia, and prudishness. Never even batted an eye and kept on being awful. But ultimately they were still “accepted” into their family and friend circles. Racist old uncle Bob still came to family dinners, just no one talked politics. Sexist Steve and Cantankerous Karen still went to work like normal, and people would just pay them lip service to keep them content.
But now? Their poor choices are actually affecting peoples lives. And those people are pushing them away and actually ostracizing them. And their companies, governments, religious institutions, etc are all fervently questioning their current choice, and in some cases enforcing masks and vaccines.
Meanwhile, I think a lot of them know they’ve fucked up. They’re seeing like minded friends, family, and media personalities get sick and in some cases die. They’re being constantly reminded of it on the news, Twitter, FB, at work, in church, etc. And while some are waking up, most are doubling down so as not to be proven “wrong”.
For the first time, they are actually experiencing consequences. And it burns them up.
