Welcome to another Bonus Edition of the MTB podcast—a segment of the weekly episode that I call Afterthoughts! This is my favorite part of these weekly presentations because it gives me a chance to dig a little deeper into something that came up during the main episode.
So, tonight we’re going to lean into something that ties directly to the theme of this week’s episode: ethical messaging and the power of words. We’ve talked a lot lately about how a truly ethical movement invites questions, speaks clearly, and doesn’t hide behind vagueness or manipulation. So I want to dig into one of the most emotionally charged slogans of our time: “Make America Great Again.”
Now, before anyone starts clutching their pearls or getting defensive—this is not about attacking anyone personally. We’re not here to fight—not this time anyway—we’re here to think. Really think. Because this phrase (MAGA, as it’s come to be known) might be simple and catchy, but it’s also incredibly vague. What does “great” actually mean? And “again”? When exactly are we trying to get back to? And who was America “great” for during that time?
Those are the questions we’re going to explore—not necessarily to tear anyone down, but to start asking better questions than the ones we’ve been handed. Because when we get lazy with our language, or worse, when we let others define it for us, we stop thinking critically. And once that happens? We’re not in control of the story anymore.
So let’s take a breath, set aside the outrage or the loyalty, and look at this together with curiosity, clarity, and… maybe just a little bit of humor.
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