In the current age of social media and digital connectivity, there’s a concerning trend that has some shaking their heads in disbelief: the growing support among young Americans for individuals accused of heinous acts, including terrorism. This support is baffling, especially when you consider the case of Luigi Mangione, who stands accused of being a cold-blooded murderer. Incredibly, Mangione has managed to garner over $900,000 in donations and even receive backing from personalities like Taylor Lorenz.

Now, who exactly is Taylor Lorenz, some might ask? Formerly employed by top-tier mainstream media outlets, she is a figure who somehow paints Mangione, of all people, as a moral man and a so-called revolutionary. The disconnect between narratives spun by certain media factions and the harsh reality is glaringly evident. It appears that common sense has packed its bags and moved to another planet. It’s disheartening to see a society where heinous acts are rationalized, and reality takes a backseat to fantasy. A little bit of the Twilight Zone, anyone?

What’s more, Mangione’s alleged crimes bring to light broader societal issues. It’s suggested that many young people are detached from reality due to their upbringing in the digital era, surrounded by smartphones and bombarded with social media. They live in a world where online personas often outweigh real human interactions, leading to a distorted view of morality. This detachment might be part of the reason they see an alleged criminal as some kind of heroic figure.

There are whispers and theories about Mangione possibly having a severe mental illness. While this could be a factor, it doesn’t absolve him from responsibility. It’s not about making excuses for reprehensible actions but recognizing that disconnecting from reality, as many in society seem to be doing, won’t change what’s fundamentally immoral or unlawful. One hopes for a world where the importance of personal accountability is not drowned out by social media chaos.

It’s a strange world we live in when thinking of historical parallels seems all too fitting. Like something out of the French Revolution, there’s a dangerous undercurrent of dissatisfaction and grievance. People, possibly driven by envy, perceive a ceiling on their aspirations, leading to a sense of frustration and aggressive behavior. Instead of addressing that constructively, some choose to support the unthinkable, echoing mob mentality and creating a worrying precedent for future society. When societal grievances go unchecked, history tells us that chaos often follows—and we’re seeing glimpses of that potential right now.