mikebike

"How the Woke Turned a Suspected Killer Into a Cultural Icon" Funny, so many Americans on both sides of the political spectrum understood the meaning of the symbolic murder of 1 CEO vs the tens of thousands of needless health care related deaths annually. Does the title imply that all Americans are woke 🤔

Initially, the story centered on Thompson, a father of two, who was fatally shot in cold blood. However, as Mangione’s name and images began circulating online, the focus shifted. Social media erupted, transforming the suspected killer into a divisive figure. For some, Mangione became a romanticized anti-capitalist hero, while others fixated on his appearance, hailing him as a "hot felon" and bestowing nicknames like "Vigilante Daddy." Photographs of Mangione, particularly a CCTV image showing him grinning with his hood up, fueled the fascination. Influencers rushed to capitalize on the viral moment, posting memes and tagging him in their content. On platforms like Instagram, commenters indulged in absurd fantasies. “This man was running from the law and stopped to flirt,” one user exclaimed. Comparisons to Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet emerged, and a lookalike competition was even held in New York’s Washington Square Park. Merchandise celebrating Mangione flooded online marketplaces, with items like mugs and tote bags featuring slogans such as “Mama, I’m in love with a criminal.” Tasteless Spotify playlists included tracks like *Do You Hear the People Sing* and *Licence to Kill*. Meanwhile, Mangione’s privileged background, including his upbringing in Maryland’s elite circles, was conveniently ignored by those championing him as a working-class rebel. A second wave of supporters framed Mangione as a symbol of resistance against America’s healthcare system. Speculation grew after it was reported that bullet casings left at the crime scene bore words like “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” interpreted as a critique of health insurance practices. Many on social media argued that Thompson, as a healthcare executive, represented an exploitative system, and some even condoned the act as a form of retribution. Journalist Taylor Lorenz articulated this sentiment in her newsletter, explaining that many younger Americans, particularly Gen Z, had rallied around Mangione due to their disillusionment with the healthcare system and the political establishment. “They’re rallying around the shooter because he seems like the only man right now willing to do something about all of it,” she wrote. However, the glorification of Mangione has sparked sharp criticism. Piers Morgan, in an opinion piece, decried the "woke left’s warped morality," contrasting their reaction to Mangione with their condemnation of Daniel Penny, a former serviceman recently acquitted of charges related to a fatal incident on the New York subway. As social media debates raged, Thompson’s legacy became an afterthought. UnitedHealthcare’s social media posts about his death were bombarded with laughing emojis, and his Wikipedia page was vandalized with cruel edits. Some commenters dismissed the tragedy entirely, claiming the shooting was an inevitable consequence of systemic injustices. The absurdity and moral ambiguity of Mangione’s online idolization reflect broader cultural dynamics: the fetishization of crime, the desperation for relatable heroes, and the internet’s penchant for sensationalism. In the process, the humanity of both victim and suspect is often lost, leaving only the noise of an endless digital spectacle. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-12-12 Great job, Telegraph. Nailed the corporate spin, and totally ignored the human element and the reason why the killing actually resonated with the USA populace. Slow clap 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏

It's OK. You can just say, " I was wrong". No need to obfuscate 🤣🤣

What decade do live in? A modern 4x4 ranger handles better than any vehicle prior to the 90s. Unless you are mentally deficient, it is almost impossible to screw up, even with a 4x4.

Yep. IF and ONLY IF, there is a reciprocal agreement. Otherwise any country can tax you all they want, don't matter where you come from or call home. They are sovereign nations and can do what they want.

🤣🤣🤣🤣 How cute, you think the same cops investigate motor vehicle accident AND porn 🤣🤣 What planet do you come from?

For you, not so much for those around you as you careen into them.

English. What language did you think 🤔

Insanity, but it is the mail... NIXON, BUSH JR 🤔

Every Russian I've met here has been a really nice person. Not that I meet many, but those I have, have been lovely folks.

You are, of course, aware that way more people in the USA die from lack of health care than those waiting in the UK, right?

So, in your opinion, the problem is telling people the truth? OK 🤷 EDIT. Just saw your sarcasm post. It wasn't obvious...

What planet do you live on? Thais jump through the same, or more, hoops than we do to move to another country. The ones that have done it are working a lot harder to maintain their status than you ever will...

Funniest thing I've read today 😂😂🌞

YES! 100%

NP. What a load of... well ya know, Canada's Fox News.

It ain't the dark ages anymore... 😉

The same folks you mention also immigrated to the UK, Canada,Australia, NZ etc... and had the same effects in those countries. Where's the exceptionalism?

My ev's manual clearly states middle of the wheel hub as max wadding. Do not all manufacturers provide this info?

I do not understand your assumption that professional, skilled, and special law workers are all western. India, Japan, Korea, China are all more than capable of supplying these types.

Who, exactly is the "far left". Personally I cannot name 1 American politician that is definitionally "far left". 🤔🤷 Y'all know words have real definitions, right?

Let me hear you say the same when 47 tanks the USA economy 😂😂😂

He wasn't deported for insulting anyone. He was deported because he broke the law. End of .

No. You learned the absolute WRONG lesson. He should not be allowed to pardon ANYONE. Much less his own son.

U are unravelling...