As Donald Trump’s election is officially confirmed, sensible Americans opposing him and the MAGA ideology should recall that ignorance should bring about embarrassment.

Trump has thrived in the political arena by convincing many to overlook this fundamental truth. He has even managed to elevate figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Georgia’s Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, and himself – individuals who routinely share utter nonsense – into serious political characters.

After the terrorist incident in New Orleans on New Year’s Day, Trump went on a tirade about immigration, despite the perpetrator being a U.S. citizen. This was not only foolish but also counterproductive. It should be extremely embarrassing for a president-elect and the officials who support him.

Trump has normalized ignorance, and that needs to change.

When Greene suggested that Jewish space lasers caused California wildfires, it wasn’t a minor error or a momentary slip. It was outright ridiculous, and it should have ended her political aspirations.

Kennedy’s promotion of consuming unsafe raw milk should have resulted in him being ridiculed out of the public eye. Instead, Trump appointed him to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a decision that is profoundly foolish and should be deeply embarrassing for Trump.

Yet, here we are, anticipating Trump’s return to the White House where he will likely place equally misguided MAGA supporters in key positions, all done confidently and shamelessly.

Reinstating shame could be an effective strategy against Trump

The crux of the matter is “shamelessness.”

We all make mistakes from time to time. I’m no stranger to saying or writing something foolish or misjudging a situation. It’s bound to happen again. I would never claim to be the most knowledgeable person in any setting.

However, when I realize I’ve made a mistake, I feel a sense of embarrassment. When I have to issue a correction or admit to overreaching, shame accompanies that acknowledgment.

Shame should be a guiding principle for us, as it once was.

If we allow ignorance to thrive in the public domain, it will proliferate

Trump, lacking any sense of shame, has actively worked to weaken this societal safeguard.

How else can one explain the continued support for him by politicians – a convicted criminal, a habitual liar, and someone found liable for sexual misconduct – seeking to put Trump back in power for a third time? That choice should be humiliating. Yet, it isn’t.

This situation can leave those who oppose Trump, whether due to his policies or personality, feeling sidelined. I understand that frustration.

Nonetheless, the best way to regain authority in this era of Trumpism is to stop accepting ignorance.

Ignorance isn’t tied to intelligence, but rather to the choice of being uninformed

Before I delve deeper, let’s clarify what I mean by “ignorance.” It has nothing to do with education levels.

In fact, many of Trump’s close associates are highly educated yet remarkably uninformed.

Ignorance manifests as speaking confidently on subjects you know little about. It involves stating demonstrably false statements while refusing to acknowledge errors. It shows a lack of curiosity that leads leaders to accept absurd conspiracy theories over validated facts.

These qualities are, in my view, reasons for embarrassment.

It’s time to hold elected officials accountable for supporting ignorance

However, since Trump’s initial presidential victory, some individuals have hesitated to confront such behavior.

The rationale often is: “He won support, so we shouldn’t label him as uninformed to avoid upsetting his followers, whom we need to understand better.”

This has not gone particularly well. Instead, it seems that a proud ignorance has taken root.

As we brace for the potential upheaval that a new Trump administration might bring, we need to stop appealing to politicians who cling to a version of reality that is far removed from the truth.

It’s Not Our Job to Make Fools Comfortable

When Trump attributes an act of domestic terrorism committed by a former U.S. Army soldier to immigrants, we must unequivocally label that as foolishness. This is not about differing viewpoints or agreeing to disagree.

It’s as simple as this: “If you can’t grasp basic facts, you’re acting foolishly and should be sidelined.”

Shaming individuals for holding onto absurd beliefs or blatantly lying is not cruel; rather, it’s a necessary correction.

We don’t let our children get away with nonsense or treat truth as inconsequential. We correct them to prevent the chaos that Trump has introduced and continues to promote.

Let’s Make Ignorance Unacceptable Again

I urge you all, as the year progresses, to make politicians who say ridiculous things feel uneasy. You might think your opinions don’t count, but the combined effect of our voices judging willful ignorance can be significant.

After all, we have tried the softer approach, and it has only led to more trouble.

Allowing fools to feel secure only opens the door for more foolishness to take root. Let’s do America a favor – ridicule ignorance at every opportunity.