American culture and politics are undergoing a seismic transformation. Many Americans express disillusionment, a demand for justice, and a sense of alienation from a country they no longer recognize. MIG Reports analysis reveals an ongoing struggle to reconcile evolving societal norms with traditional values.

My illusion that America was what I thought it was has been gone for years now. Every major city is getting gross, crime is rising, theft is common, Big Pharma controls both parties with the good cop/bad cop routine, the food is toxic, everyone is addicted to pills, the…

— An0maly (@LegendaryEnergy) May 31, 2024

Disillusionment

• 60% express frustration with political hypocrisy, highlighting institutional decay as a root cause of societal unease.

The widespread erosion of trust in leadership and public institutions is spearheading national sentiment. Across the ideological spectrum, many perceive the justice system and political mechanisms as biased or manipulated by elites for personal gain.

Disillusionment fosters cynicism about the legitimacy of governance, with Americans citing recent events, corruption revelations, and systemic failures as evidence.

Political Partisanship

• 45-50% of discussions have a tribal dynamic, casting one’s own side as defenders of justice and the opposition as harbingers of decay.

The hyper-partisan nature of online discourse perpetuates the divide between ideological camps. Many frame societal issues in binary terms, focusing less on solutions and more on condemning opposing factions. Loyalty to one’s party is often equated with moral integrity, furthering division.

Losing Traditional Values

• 40% of discussions lament the perceived erosion of familiar values, equating this shift with broader societal decline.

Americans want to preserve or restore traditional American values. Many view cultural changes, such as shifts in education or diversity initiatives, as undermining the moral and societal foundations of the nation. The rapid pace of these changes exacerbates feelings of alienation.

Justice and Corruption

• 47% worry about accountability and the erosion of legal integrity, framing these issues as emblematic of a failing system.

The conversation often circles back to issues of fairness and accountability. Many feel that justice is selectively applied, favoring powerful figures while ordinary citizens face harsher consequences. This perceived imbalance fuels narratives of systemic corruption and demands for transparency.

Identity Crisis and Alienation

• 65% of discussions touch on American identity, with feelings of disconnection and a desire to clarify what defines the nation.

Americans increasing talk about, "not recognizing America." This reflects a deeper identity crisis, grappling with rapid cultural and political shifts. Generational divides and ideological conflicts further intensify this alienation, with many struggling to reconcile their vision of America with its evolving reality.

Take note of the people on the street cheering him on—this kind of behavior is why we have boarded-up towns across America.

In just 48 days things will change… pic.twitter.com/6f4g1PrPb7

— Civil Disco (@Civil_Disco) December 3, 2024

Emotional Complexity

Some discussions are more introspective and emotionally complex. There are tensions between personal sympathies and ethical expectations, particularly when discussing issues like political favoritism or perceived injustices.

For example, familial loyalty versus public morality emerges as a recurring theme. Many grapples with progressive social and moral obligations which place pressure on traditional family norms and relationships.

Divisive Media

Media narratives play a significant role in shaping these discussions. Many distrust media coverage, questioning its accuracy and the motivations of legacy institutions. This distrust exacerbates divisions, as echo chambers reinforce pre-existing biases and narratives.

Historical Analogies

Some discuss historical comparisons, likening current frustrations to the revolutionary sentiments of America’s founding. This creates a desire for systemic change, often described in terms of a moral or political revival.

Asians de-assimilate. The first generation is much more positive about America than their kids are, and older groups (eg Vietnamese) are more pro-America than newer ones (eg Indians). Every political issue with Asians gets worse with time by default, not better. pic.twitter.com/GZx7t7K7Iv

— arctotherium (@arctotherium42) September 29, 2024

Reasons Behind the Trends

Political and Cultural Shifts

The rapid evolution of progressive norms—particularly around issues of justice, race, and gender—provokes strong reactions from those who see these changes as undermining traditional values. For many, this woke transformation represents not progress but erosion.

Polarized Media Ecosystem

Partisan media amplifies ideological divides, creating echo chambers that reinforce existing narratives. As a result, discussions often focus on critiquing the "other side" rather than engaging in constructive dialogue.

Perceived Elitism

Americans increasingly believe the system is manipulated by elites for their own benefit, deepening feelings of disillusionment. Many view this as evidence of a broader societal failure, where the average citizen’s concerns are ignored in favor of maintaining power structures.

The redesign of American society over the last 15 years in basically every sphere of life was purposely done to remove your sense of connection with places and things as a reset for the new world they are manufacturing.

Every rebrand, every corporate redesign, Every new…

— Paul (@WomanDefiner) August 14, 2024

This Thanksgiving, as families across the country gather around the table, there are signs of profound cultural and social shifts. The nuclear family, once central to American life, has become the subject of intense public debate, sparking both concern and hope.

Tectonic shifts in the cultural milieu resonate particularly during the holiday season, a time traditionally associated with family unity, reflection, and shared values. Yet, in many households, the reality of strained family dynamics and political division casts a shadow over the celebrations.

MSNBC host Joy Reid: Stay away from pro Trump family members since they ENDED democracy, may turn you in pic.twitter.com/3v1UGKeSdT

— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) November 22, 2024

A Holiday at Odds with Itself

Thanksgiving has long symbolized the ideals of togetherness and gratitude. However, as political polarization deepens, traditional ideals are increasingly tested.

• Many Americans report tension at family gatherings, where differing political beliefs create tense conversations
• Rifts at times overshadow familial bonds, causing strife and alienation.
• Online, Americans discuss the holiday season as becoming a battleground of ideological clashes and a fragmenting of traditional family structures.

Family conflicts are exacerbated by the ongoing breakdown of traditional family structures. The rise in single-parent households, declining marriage rates, declining fertility rates, and an emphasis on friends over familial interdependence contribute to a sense of social fragmentation.

The Decline of the Nuclear Family

The nuclear family—long a symbol of stability and continuity—faces significant changes in modern society. Many say contributing factors include:

• Marriage rates dropping
• Fertility rates at historic lows
• Nontraditional families becoming increasingly common
• Millennials and younger people prioritizing careers and independence over family

Many Americans attribute these changes to progressive ideologies that challenge traditional gender roles and redefine family.

• Some on the left view these shifts as positive and inclusive.
• Others express concern they undermine social cohesion and stability provided by the nuclear family.
• Online conversations highlight the consequences of these trends on societal well-being, mental health, and social atomization.

Economic and Social Pressures

Economic realities further complicate the picture.

• People cite rising costs of housing, childcare, and education as a hinderance to family formation for younger generations.
• For many, the financial burden of raising children or supporting extended family members adds to the stress of an already fragmented environment.
• Mental health challenges also exacerbate feelings of isolation and societal pressures, creating barriers to family building.

During Thanksgiving, these issues often become more pronounced, highlighting the struggles people face in modern life.

Polarization at the Table

Political division has also become a defining feature of the modern holiday experience.

• Families with differing ideological perspectives often struggle to find common ground, leading to heated debates or estrangement.
• Discussions around immigration, social justice, or economic policy frequently spill into personal relationships.

This polarization challenges the traditional role of holidays as a unifying force. Many Americans express nostalgia for a time when political differences could be set aside during family gatherings.

My parents are MSNBC liberals who think Trump is a paid Kremlin asset.

I’m ultra MAGA.

Know what Thanksgiving will be like this year?

.

.

It will be great, because we’re normal people who love our family more than we care about politics.

It’s not that hard, folks.

— Robert Sterling (@RobertMSterling) November 11, 2024

A Cultural Renewal in Progress

Amid these challenges, there are signs of a cultural reevaluation.

• A growing number of Americans are advocating for a return to family-centered values, viewing the nuclear family as a stabilizing force in society.
• Grassroots movements, faith-based initiatives, and a conservative resurgence are championing family and rebuilding community ties.

With cultural tides turning, many express hope for a return to traditional norms. They say America has rejected progressive, woke ideology. Many also claim these social movements are to blame for social isolation and mental health crises. Returning to core American values and building families, many say, could be on the horizon with a right leaning cultural renaissance.

Donald Trump’s appearance at a Pittsburgh Steelers game, with support from former players Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, sparked intense discussions across social media. The intersection of sports and politics, combined with Trump's polarizing presence, generated fervent support and harsh criticism.

Something truly beautiful is happening in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania right now. Former Steelers Legends Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell are registering hundreds of new Trump voters

The culture is with Trump all the way this time.
pic.twitter.com/U4BoCgTM1n

— George (@BehizyTweets) October 20, 2024

However, reaction may also point to a hidden or silent vote, quietly aligning with Trump’s values and leadership without engaging in the volatile public discourse.

President @realDonaldTrump arrives at Acrisure Stadium to chants of U-S-A! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TaVUjTDuT9

— Margo Martin (@margommartin) October 21, 2024

Polarization in Public Discourse

Voter conversations online are polarized about Trump’s connection with the Steelers. Sentiment trends demonstrate a split between those who view Trump as a symbol of traditional American values and those who see his involvement in sports as problematic.

Some also point out that television coverage of Trump at the Steelers game was extremely limited, showing only a few seconds of him on the Sunday Night Football broadcast. However, viral social media videos show the crowd loudly and enthusiastically cheering, “USA, USA, USA,” as Trump waved down from his box seats.

Actual footage of the Steelers game tonight NBC won’t show you. pic.twitter.com/iK35jYAiDc

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) October 21, 2024

The implication may be that—while online conversations are highly polarized, real-life voters are charged for Trump’s patriotic message. Thousands of fans cheering in a football stadium may capture sentiments which are absent online as not all voters engage in political discourse on social media.

Positive Sentiment

Around 45% of comments across various platforms express support for Trump, emphasizing his alignment with American values, patriotism, and leadership. Many fans appreciate his connection to blue-collar workers and traditional values, especially among older demographics, who see him as a “real American” representing their interests.

Negative Sentiment

Around 35-40% are critical of Trump’s appearance at the game, often voicing concerns about politicizing sports. These sentiments are especially pronounced among younger fans, who tend to view Trump’s involvement as divisive and distracting from the Steelers' legacy.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers are split on the Presidential election. One side has Mean Joe Greene, Jerome Bettis, and the family of Franco Harris supported her..

and the other has Leveon Bell & Antonio Brown.

Different class of folks for sure.

— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 20, 2024

Neutral Sentiment

Roughly 20% are neutral, focusing on the spectacle of Trump’s appearance without delving deeply into political allegiances. This group reflects the broader discomfort with the merging of sports and politics, without taking a strong stance.

A Hidden or Ignored Vote?

Though polarization dominates public discourse, there are signs of hidden support for Trump among those who choose not to voice their opinions openly.

Rising Focus on American Values

The volume and sentiment around American Values discussions have both increased, with up to 1,600 comments per day, reflecting growing resonance, particularly among older, conservative voters. Many in this group may avoid engaging in public debates but align strongly with Trump's ideals, contributing to the silent support.

Decreasing Engagement with Racial Issues

Discussions around Racial Issues have seen both a decline in volume and a decrease in sentiment. This suggests that while the issue remains relevant for some, it is becoming less central in broader discussions. The shift away from this topic may be another indicator that voters are gravitating more to Trump over the identity-driven Democratic platform.

Generational and Regional Dynamics

• Younger voters (18-35) remain more critical, with racial and socio-political issues often dominating their critiques.
• Older voters (36+) show strong support for Trump, with 70% of their comments expressing positive sentiment.

This suggests older voters may avoid confrontational debates but \quietly support Trump. National-level enthusiasm for Trump contrasts with the mixed reactions from local Pittsburgh residents, further indicating potential hidden support in offline conversations.

Neutral Sentiment as Silent Support

The presence of 15-25% neutral sentiment, particularly in the context of rising engagement with American Values, could signal silent support for Trump. In an environment where dissatisfaction is often vocalized online, a large neutral perspective points to those who prefer not to engage publicly but may lean toward Trump privately.

Linguistic Cues: Identity and Patriotism

The language used in pro-Trump discussions like “freedom,” “real American,” and “working-class hero," evokes traditional American ideals. Critics, on the other hand, focus on terms like “politicizing” and “distraction.” This contrast may suggest Trump’s supporters remain quiet but deeply aligned with his values.

The Intersection of Sports and Politics

Trump’s association with the Steelers taps into cultural themes of working-class pride and American identity. For many older voters, this connection solidifies their support, but they may remain silent in polarized public forums while intending to vote for Trump.