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A personal journey sits at the heart of Shepherdstown’s protest against political polarization. On Saturday, Charles Town resident Bethany A. stood among fellow demonstrators at the “No Kings Rally” in Shepherdstown, one of approximately 2,500 similar events held nationwide.
For Bethany, who requested anonymity to protect her husband’s federal employment, the rally represented more than political activism—it marked a profound personal evolution. Raised in what she describes as a Christian nationalist household within the Church of Latter-day Saints, Bethany grew up embracing her family’s conservative political views, which eventually aligned with the Tea Party and later the MAGA movement.
“I was taught that Democrats are racist and they are trying to keep the welfare system around, so that Black people can’t earn money and get out of it—those kinds of things,” she explained, describing her upbringing. “Religiously, they may not preach it anymore, but it’s very much passed down from generation-to-generation the belief that Native Americans had to die, so that America could be what it is today and the Book of Mormon could come to be.”
Bethany’s political awakening came in the aftermath of the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, which prompted her to question long-held beliefs while living with her “very, very MAGA family.” This period of self-reflection led to what she called a deconstruction of both her religious and political identities.
“I had to find out who was lying to me,” she said. “Turns out, both sides can lie, but one was very manipulative and the other was like, ‘We’re fighting for everyone.'”
The personal cost of her political transformation has been steep. Communication with extended family members gradually diminished, with her last conversation with a family member occurring in December 2024. Despite this painful separation, Bethany remains convinced she made the right decision, citing both philosophical and practical concerns.
Among her immediate worries is the skyrocketing price of her narcolepsy medication, which she needs to maintain employment, along with rising insurance costs. She also expressed concern about the treatment of federal workers like her husband, particularly during the ongoing government shutdown. These issues have reinforced her belief that core American values have been compromised.
“We’ve all forgotten our American values. Every movement that we have had in America, from the very beginning, has been a marginalized group fighting to have equal rights. That is how we got here,” Bethany said. “What’s wrong is wrong, and people are getting hurt. I think we have forgotten that we are all neighbors.”
She emphasized that current political divisions transcend traditional left-right divides: “The truth of it is, all sides—Democrats and Republicans and Independents, our neighbors—will all be hurt by the changes made by this administration, unless they have money. It’s no longer right versus left—it is up versus down.”
While committed to the rally’s cause, Bethany expressed concern that its “No Kings” name might exacerbate political polarization, noting that based on prior conversations with family members, “They don’t understand this terminology, because they don’t consider Donald Trump to be their king.” For Bethany, the rally’s name represents opposition to the “abuse of power.”
Throughout the demonstration, Bethany carried an American flag in one hand and a “Stand Together” sign in the other. She urged fellow protesters to approach MAGA supporters with understanding rather than contempt, and encouraged them to seek news from multiple professional sources.
“When I hear people saying, ‘Trump supporters are stupid,’ I want to let them know that that is incorrect,” she said. “They are not stupid. They are lied to. They are scared and they are mad and they feel like they finally have somebody to be mad at. They feel like they are on the winning team.”
The rally drew a diverse group of participants who gathered at several locations throughout Shepherdstown, including in front of McMurran Hall and MJ’s on German DeliCafe. Some protesters donned chicken costumes, while others of all ages stood together on sidewalks, demonstrating their shared concerns about the current political climate and direction of the country.
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12 Comments
This story touches on some sensitive topics around religious indoctrination, racial bias, and political polarization. It’s important to approach these issues with empathy and understanding, rather than judgment.
I agree, a nuanced and compassionate approach is crucial when discussing the personal journeys of people who have held extremist views. The goal should be to foster open dialogue and understanding, not division.
The protester’s journey highlights the complexity of political and religious beliefs, and the need for empathy and understanding when engaging with people who hold different views. It’s a reminder that even those with seemingly entrenched ideologies can evolve and change over time.
Absolutely, this story demonstrates the importance of fostering open dialogue and creating spaces where people feel safe to challenge their own beliefs and explore new perspectives. It’s a powerful example of the potential for personal growth and social progress.
This is a thought-provoking story about the personal journey of political and religious beliefs. It’s interesting to see how someone can evolve their views over time, even when raised with strong conservative and nationalist ideologies.
It highlights the importance of being open-minded and willing to re-evaluate one’s beliefs, especially when confronted with new information or perspectives.
The protester’s experience highlights the need for more critical thinking and fact-checking, especially when it comes to political and religious narratives that may be based on misinformation or biased perspectives. It’s a good reminder to always question what we’re taught and seek out reliable sources.
Absolutely, it’s a valuable lesson in the importance of media literacy and being a discerning consumer of information, regardless of one’s political or religious affiliations.
The protester’s experience of growing up in a Christian nationalist household and later rejecting those views is a powerful example of the complex nature of political and religious affiliations. It’s a good reminder that people’s beliefs can change significantly over time.
I’m curious to hear more about the specific factors that led to this person’s political awakening and shift in perspective. What were the key moments or influences that sparked that change?
This story is a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences of political polarization and the spread of misinformation. It’s heartening to see someone like the protester actively challenging their own beliefs and working to break free from those harmful narratives.
I agree, it’s an important example of the power of critical thinking and personal growth, even in the face of deeply entrenched ideologies. Hopefully, this can inspire others to follow a similar path of self-reflection and openness to change.