Unfortunately, this manipulative tactic works: take something real or symbolic away, be it social security, housing, wages, work, or symbols like nation, Viennese Schnitzel, or England. Hide that the true causes lie in others' political interests; blame minorities, migrants, or scapegoats. Alienated people, lacking social ties or self-confidence, or even just imagining a crisis, fall for it. I find it all embarrassing.

Unfortunately, yes, but the pleasantly surprising thing is that those who, with a clear and critical mind, are aware of the dubious nature of the matter tend to network and communicate more effectively. Even if we don’t necessarily all agree on every detail, I always think an informed stance is a good thing.