@casseagull @lisamelton I think the Right’s use of the word “elites” in a derogatory way is just them admitting they don’t like people smarter than they are.

Ever get called a “geek” or a “brain” growing up and remember their disdain? That was their fear of being seen for what they were—dumb or at least ignorant.

Intelligent Right-wingers use it as populist cudgel. See those “brains” (elites) over there? Let’s go shove them into the lockers.