"In the aftermath of Alex Pretti's killing in Minneapolis, my Instagram algorithm served up a never-ending carousel of sizzling rage. Most of that rage was directed toward the country's immigration-enforcement agencies, while some, of course, was aimed at defending them. But I wasn't expecting the post from Blake Guichet. "There's a difference between compassion that is grounded and compassion that is hijacked," Guichet, a pro-Trump Christian influencer who posts on Instagram under the handle "thegirlnamedblake," had typed on butter-yellow slides."
""You do not owe the internet a statement on the current tragedy." In her caption, the Louisiana mom added that she had chosen to "opt out of the cycle of Internet outrage." I was surprised to see this, because Guichet so often opts in to the news cycle. During last year's government shutdown, she logged on to explain that SNAP benefits are part of a "system of reliance.""
"Over the past two weeks, I've noticed countless other Christian creators sharing similar posts alluding to ICE-messages reminding their followers to "protect your peace" and assuring them that "it's my responsibility to carry my family, not the world." Instead of offering a defense or a critique of the administration's handling of immigration, these influential conservatives appear to have settled on an alternative strategy. Let's call it "virtuous disregard." They're throwing up their hands, turning back toward their families, and encouraging their followers."
After Alex Pretti's killing in Minneapolis, Instagram feeds produced waves of public outrage centered on immigration-enforcement agencies. Some conservative Christian lifestyle influencers responded by advising followers to 'protect your peace' and prioritize family responsibilities. Influencers framed certain compassion as 'hijacked' by online outrage and urged opting out of the cycle of Internet outrage. Many of these influencers project an attractive, family-centered aesthetic and present withdrawal from public debate as a virtuous stance. The tactic, termed 'virtuous disregard,' encourages turning attention inward toward household duties rather than engaging in critiques or defenses of immigration policy.
Read at The Atlantic
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