Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real
Systems are crumbling – but daily life continues. The dissonance is real
The article explores the concept of 'hypernormalization,' a term from Soviet Russia describing the dissonance of living in a society where governing systems are visibly failing, yet daily life continues as if normal. Author Adrienne Matei applies this to the current US political and social climate, particularly under the Trump administration, citing widespread feelings of dread, denial, and dissociation. The piece discusses how recognizing this phenomenon can be psychologically relieving and is the first step toward meaningful action and resisting the normalization of dysfunction.
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it is freeing to have a name to the feeling: hypernormalization.
it's still all a bit depressing and sometimes hopeless, but it's a step in the right direction. there are small glimmers of echoes of hope in the article as well: a quote by ursula le guin, data to suggest a 3.5 percent of the population protest is measurably impactful on outcomes and the urge to just keep trying, no matter how hypernormal it feels...
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