Key Takeaways

• Adler-Bell warns that blaming the other side for violence is a meaningless game.
• Americans love violent fantasies in politics and pop culture.
• Both the right and left believe violence can reset society.
• This hope that violence purifies is dangerous at home and abroad.

The Roots of America’s Violent Fantasies

In a recent column, Sam Adler-Bell calls out a cynical political blame game. House Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats for a MAGA parolee’s murder threat. In reality, a man pardoned by the president was arrested for plotting to kill a top Democrat. Yet Johnson said, “They call every Republican a fascist now.” Adler-Bell notes this is classic hot-potato politics: whoever holds the blame at the end is guilty, no matter what happened.

However, Adler-Bell says that this dodge misses the real point. He argues that Americans are hooked on violent fantasies. We keep believing that some new order will rise from the ashes of chaos. As a result, both parties seek a hero who will use force to save the day.

Why We Love Violent Fantasies

First, violence stories are simple. We see heroes or antiheroes fix problems with guns or brute force. In movies and shows, special-forces soldiers and secret agents break rules and win. Then they feel guilty and maybe die alone. This pattern gives us a clear moral arc. We cheer the action, then reflect on its cost.

Second, these stories play to our emotions. They let us feel powerful without real risk. We can witness torture or shootouts on screen, and then go home safely. In our minds, we see order restored and justice done.

Third, we use these tales as group markers. On the right, Donald Trump is their gunslinger. He promises to slay “liberal chaos” and break rules like habeas corpus to build a conservative empire. On the left, people want a tough prosecutor, a judge, or a general to clean up the mess. They hope for a new authority to restore justice.

When Politics Becomes a War Movie

Recently, a man pardoned after January 6 plotted more violence. Instead of owning that fact, the Speaker blamed his rivals. Adler-Bell says this shows how deeply entrenched our violent fantasies are. We treat politics as a battlefield. If our side wins, any means are valid. If we lose, we blame the other side’s moral failing.

Moreover, this game undercuts honesty. It prevents any real debate about why people turn to violence. Instead, we only swap accusations. Meanwhile, the risk grows. Each act of violence fuels fear, and fear sells more violent stories.

The Peril of Believing Violence Purifies

Adler-Bell warns that we pretend violence can cleanse society. He quotes Susan Sontag: we think purgative violence can restore our innocence. Yet America now holds the world’s future in “King Kong paws.” That means our violent habits have global impact.

Our delusion is that one heroic act of force can fix everything. However, history shows the opposite. Violence begets violence. It destroys trust, weakens institutions, and breeds more chaos.

How to Break Free from the Cycle

Accepting the problem is the first step. We must stop treating politics as a zero-sum war. Instead, we need real conversations about safety, justice, and power.

Next, we should question our favorite stories. Why do we cheer a hero who breaks laws and hurts people? What if we told tales of cooperation, not conquest? What if we celebrated leaders who build bridges instead of walls?

In addition, our media can shift focus. News outlets and studios could highlight nonviolent solutions. They can show how teamwork, negotiation, and compassion solve tough issues. These stories might not sell as fast, but they could rebuild trust.

Finally, citizens must demand change. We can support policies that reduce violence, like better mental health care, community programs, and fair policing. We can vote for leaders who value dialogue over threats.

What Comes Next

Ending America’s violent fantasies won’t happen overnight. It takes effort from all sides. Yet by recognizing our delusion, we gain a chance for real progress. Instead of blaming each other, we can work together. Moreover, we can build a society that finds order through justice and empathy, not bullets and bombs.

Violence won’t give us a new, stable world. Only honest dialogue and fair systems can. It’s time to bury the hot-potato game of blame and stop imagining a hero with a gun can save us all.

FAQs

Why does Adler-Bell call blaming the other side a “chump’s game”?

He means it’s a pointless tactic. Pointing fingers hides the real issue of our shared obsession with violence.

How do violent fantasies shape our politics?

They turn debates into battles. Parties see opponents as enemies to destroy rather than colleagues to engage.

Can pop culture change its violent focus?

Yes. Writers and filmmakers can create stories that reward cooperation, peace, and problem-solving without force.

What steps can individuals take to reduce real-world violence?

Support community groups, advocate for mental health services, promote conflict-resolution programs, and vote for leaders committed to nonviolent policies.