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Bozeman Author Channels Facebook Frustrations into Book Challenging Misinformation
Mark Chrisler was growing tired of posting his reactions to national news on social media. The Bozeman resident decided to channel those thoughts into something more substantial—a 31-page self-published book titled “Wake Up America.”
“I’m not an alarmist. I’m not a conspiracy theorist,” Chrisler explains. “But I see a problem, and I’d like to help solve it.”
The self-described “curmudgeon” acknowledges his book takes strong positions against MAGA conservatives but insists his goal isn’t to demonize them. Instead, he hopes to inspire constructive changes in readers’ lives, starting with personal health improvements.
“You’re not going to change these MAGA people,” Chrisler says. “But if you get them to run around the block or eat better, they might feel better and less angry.”
This pragmatic approach shapes the book’s structure. The first chapter focuses on accessible health improvements—short walks, quick workouts, and nutritional changes—that Chrisler believes are foundational before tackling larger societal issues.
“Let’s start off with fixing ourselves,” he says. “Then we’ll go fix the world.”
The following three chapters address what Chrisler sees as interconnected problems: toxic corporate influence, environmental degradation, and political dysfunction. Despite his criticisms, he maintains he’s “as capitalistic as you can get,” citing his Wall Street background.
“I’m not trying to change corporate America,” Chrisler explains. “I’m trying to change the people that watch these things, and (get them to) hit mute during the ads.”
The genesis of “Wake Up America” traces back to lengthy Facebook posts Chrisler wrote during Donald Trump’s first administration. Trump’s challenge to institutional norms and allegations of sexual misconduct particularly disturbed him.
“As father of two daughters and (having) a wonderful wife, I would think that would dissuade some of (Trump’s supporters),” Chrisler says. “But when it doesn’t, that scares you.”
Chrisler believes current polling indicates a potential Democratic resurgence in upcoming elections, which he welcomes as a positive development. “These are compassionate people, the Democrats,” he says. “They’re compassionate about immigrants and about people that are hurting.”
His perspective on immigration was shaped during his time raising children in Berkeley, California, before retiring to Bozeman five years ago. Living in California’s diverse communities gave him an appreciation for Latino immigrant populations that he finds harder to access in Montana. Consequently, he views increased ICE enforcement with alarm.
While Chrisler expects Democratic control would improve immigration policies, he acknowledges partisan change alone won’t address all the issues he outlines. “I’m not exonerating them,” he says. “Democrats are beholden to those big companies, too.”
The book’s chapter on religion makes broad claims about major faiths, arguing most function as tools of control. When challenged on some statements about Islam, including claims about educational restrictions for women, Chrisler admitted potential misinformation in his own work.
“I don’t have an Islamophobic bone in my body,” Chrisler says. “I need to update my information.”
Chrisler’s crusade against misinformation finds its symbolic target in television commercials for health products he considers misleading, particularly the LegXercise Pro, a motorized device that moves a user’s feet.
“I’m hoping people will stop buying those machines,” Chrisler says. “If they just do that, I’ll consider my book a success.”
Despite the serious topics he addresses, Chrisler maintains he generally isn’t an angry person. He finds joy spending time with his dogs and 4-year-old granddaughter. But concerns about America’s future compelled him to speak out while he could.
“Wake Up America” represents one citizen’s attempt to convert social media frustration into something more substantive—a small but determined effort to challenge what he sees as misinformation shaping public discourse.
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7 Comments
This book sounds like a thoughtful attempt to address a serious societal issue. I’m curious to learn more about Chrisler’s specific strategies for inspiring positive changes in readers’ lives, beyond just the health focus.
Agreed, the health-focused approach is an intriguing starting point, but the real test will be if Chrisler can translate that into meaningful dialogue and solutions around the misinformation challenge.
It’s an interesting approach to tackle misinformation and political division by starting at the personal level. Improving one’s own health and well-being could potentially help reduce anger and open people up to more constructive dialogue.
Interesting perspective on tackling misinformation and political divisions. Focusing on personal health improvements first is a pragmatic approach that could help calm tempers and open minds to constructive dialogue.
I’m curious to learn more about Chrisler’s views on the role of social media in spreading misinformation. Does he offer any insights or solutions beyond the individual health focus?
Good question. The article doesn’t delve too deep into Chrisler’s thoughts on social media, but his frustration with posting reactions online suggests he sees it as part of the problem that needs addressing.
Misinformation and political polarization are such complex, entrenched problems. I applaud Chrisler for trying a new angle by emphasizing personal health and wellbeing as a foundation for tackling these larger societal issues.