This article, in a slightly edited form, first appeared on Pain News Network on December 12, 2024.

 

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a collective shift in societal attitudes, where deep-seated anger and disillusionment are driving public narratives in unsettling ways. Three seemingly unrelated phenomena—the public applause for opioid lawsuit settlements, unwavering support for Donald Trump, and the viral glorification of Luigi Mangione, who allegedly killed the CEO of UnitedHealthcare—are not as disparate as they first appear. Together, they reveal a troubling portrait of the undercurrents shaping modern America: a sense of betrayal, unchecked populist rage, and a growing disdain for perceived elites.

The Opioid Crisis and the Lawsuits

The opioid epidemic has left an indelible scar on American society, and the plethora of lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies like Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, and others has been widely celebrated. These legal victories are seen by many as a reckoning for the corporations and individuals who allegedly profited from human suffering. However, beneath this applause lies something darker—a visceral hatred for systems and figures viewed as complicit in perpetuating a crisis that ruined lives and decimated communities.

While the lawsuits represent an attempt at justice, they have done little to address the underlying anger that millions of Americans feel. Many believe the settlements, while historic, are a drop in the bucket compared to the lives lost and families shattered. This resentment fuels a broader anti-establishment sentiment, one that increasingly targets not only corporations, but anyone perceived to be profiting at the expense of the vulnerable.

The Cult of Trump

Donald Trump’s rise and sustained political influence hinge on a similar anger: a profound distrust of institutions, wokeness, and systems perceived to exploit ordinary Americans. Trump’s base is galvanized not by policy specifics but by his ability to channel their rage and direct it at convenient targets—be it the media, the “deep state,” or global corporations. His support thrives on a shared belief that traditional systems, including the government, have failed to protect the American public.

The opioid lawsuits and Trumpism overlap in their shared narrative of betrayal by elites. Whether it’s Big Pharma, corporate executives, or Washington insiders, these movements feed off the same anger—a belief that the powerful have sacrificed ordinary Americans for profit or political gain.

The Mangione Phenomenon

Enter Luigi Mangione, a name that now reverberates across social media, not because of his actions alone but because of what he represents in the public imagination. Allegedly responsible for the murder of a UnitedHealthcare CEO, Mangione has been transformed into a meme and even a symbol of resistance against perceived corporate exploitation. Viral hashtags, merchandise, and online jokes portray him as a folk hero for those who feel victimized by insurance companies and the broader healthcare system.

What’s striking is not just the speed at which this narrative has developed but the glee with which Mangione’s alleged crime has been embraced. Social media platforms, awash with memes and satirical merchandise, have turned an act of violence into a rallying cry. This reaction is deeply rooted in the same anger that celebrates opioid lawsuits and supports populist leaders. UnitedHealthcare, representing an industry notorious for denying claims and driving up costs, has become a symbol of the kind of unchecked corporate power people love to hate. Mangione’s actions, while abhorrent, have been reframed as an act of rebellion against a system that many feel prioritizes profits over people.

What This Reveals About Us

Taken together, these phenomena reflect a society grappling with betrayal, powerlessness, and the long-term consequences of institutional failures. The opioid epidemic, insurance company practices, and political stagnation are all symptoms of systems that millions of Americans believe have failed them. Instead of addressing these issues with nuance or systemic reform, we’ve turned to simplified narratives that vilify individuals and institutions.

The memeification of Mangione, much like the unwavering support for Trump or the uncritical celebration of opioid lawsuit settlements, reveals a deep longing for retribution—a sense that someone, anyone, must pay for the perceived injustices of modern life. Yet this focus on retribution distracts from meaningful solutions and perpetuates a cycle of outrage and despair.

Moving Forward

The overlapping applause for lawsuits, political populism, and dark memes should serve as a wake-up call. These phenomena highlight not only the anger but also the desperation of a society searching for accountability in all the wrong places. Addressing these issues requires more than legal settlements, political rhetoric, or viral content; it demands a reimagining of the systems and structures that have allowed such disillusionment to fester.

If we fail to address the root causes of this anger—systemic inequities, lack of accountability, and the growing divide between the powerful and the powerless—we risk further polarizing a society already on edge. We need solutions that offer more than fleeting justice or performative outrage. Only then can we begin to rebuild trust in the institutions that are supposed to serve us all.