Remember counterculture isn’t exclusive to left wingers. Just look at how the skinhead culture got co-opted by Nazis. It used to be a subculture of the British working class leftist youths. But because it was an anti-establishment counterculture it also attracted right wingers. Same with how many hippies or wellness moms became supporters of fascists in many countries.

So not very surprising that your goth friend became a Trumpist. The anti-establishment veneer of the right is very alluring for some non-conformists.

A bit tangential to topic but I got to know someone on my wife’s side of the family. Cool socialist dude. We saw eye-to-eye on like 90% of things. Was refreshing.

He fell for the uncommitted wedge-driving bullshit and sat out the election. Drank the Russian vodka. This despite what’s at stake for his nieces, his cousin and women’s rights. This despite my wife’s plea to him to go vote.

That’s the last time I brought up politics or really care to speak to him. I really have no patience for willful ignorance anymore. People like this to me frustrate me so much more than red hats themselves.

See how Trump supports Palestinians now. And, curiously, boy those outcries sure did suddenly drop off over that post-election, huh. Much pyrrhic victory.

2025, the year of the Trumpsterfire.