Grieving

In observing the reactions of those who supported Kerry to Bush's victory in the election, I was struck by how similar they seemed to how someone reacts when a loved one dies or when presented with the news that he or she is terminally ill. I then wondered if these reactions could be characterized in the context of the five stages of grief.

Psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described the classic pattern of coping strategies of patients who know their diagnosis is terminal and broke it down into five stages. These stages do not necessarily come in a particular order but most people go through all of them to some degree when faced with their own mortality or that of a loved one. Speaking from personal experience, I think they also apply when a close, long-term relationship comes to an end. I'll list them out below and then provide examples of how a Kerry supporter might react that fits in with each stage.

Stage 1: Denial
The person can't believe that Bush has won. There's no way that it could be happening. How can so many people be so stupid? This election was obviously rigged. If they count all the absentee and provisional ballots, Kerry will win.

Stage 2: Anger or resentment
The person starts lashing out at those he or she thinks is responsible. For example, blaming Evangelical Christians and wealthy people and accusing them of racism, homophobia, and generally not caring about anybody but themselves. Oh, and they're all stupid, too.

Stage 3: Bargaining
This one probably isn't expressed as much since the election is over and nothing's going to change the results. However, I have been seeing several articles saying that Bush now should move to the center and be "less divisive" in his policies. After all, 48% of the people voted against him and that has to mean something.

Stage 4: Depression
Pretty self-explanatory. I'm already seeing this. People are going into a funk and thinking it's all over. Why even try anymore? The fascists have won and all our civil liberties are doomed. I'm leaving the country.

Stage 5: Acceptance
I'm aready seeing this as well. The essay I linked to in a previous post is an example of this. Some Democrats have accepted that Bush and the Republicans are simply more appealing and now they're trying to come up with constructive ways to do what's necessary to make the Democratic party viable again.