Many Europeans may not recognize soft totalitarianism, especially if it’s framed as “safety”, “equity”, or “progress”. The State’s hella good at subtle ideological control. It may be the only thing they’re goods at.

When folks are sufficiently propagandized, everyone misses the forest for trees. The people quibble over trivialities while the State amasses influence and power over every detail of their lives.

I no longer find things like this surprising after living through the pandemic stateside. It was quite unreal to witness the lull most were in…and how apologetic they were toward the government’s conduct.