Blog 2

 Reflecting on “Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong” article:

In the article, “Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong” by Adam Serwer, highlights a contradiction between the MAGA movements assumptions about identity, social order and governance with the current political culture of Minnesota based on solidarity, resilience and mutual care and respect. Serwer writes about how Minnesota governance and policies has rallied around the power in care, public investment and inclusion leading to stability. It is in deep contrast to the MAGA policies observed in the ICE agents and their enforcements of them on the public. The argument provided in this article can be examined under the framework of James Carey’s logics of communication, transmission and ritual view and Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s concept of “sintering” from ‘Theory of Water’. Both of these theoretical concepts reveal Minnesota’s political ability due to a system based on communication as a cultural practice and care and respect as source of collective healing. 

Carey’s two logics of communication:

Carey explains the two logics of communication as transmission and ritual. The transmission view of communication is defined as the process of sending signals and messages over a distance to establish dominance and control. Throughout history, this form of communication was used as a tool to control a certain discourse in relation to religion or otherwise and a form of spreading one's control over land. The transmission of communication over a distance through different technologies develops the concept of dissemination of thoughts and ideas. Different mediums are utilized to transmit messages to audiences for the purpose of knowledge, idea sharing and development. The underlying current of such communication is the purpose of control and restriction of thought to have power over a certain narrative. The article by Serwer, identifies this phenomenon in the assumptions of the MAGA discourse where a distorted reality is communicated to the masses and an expectation of blind following is perceived. MAGA operates through the transmission model as its focus remains on social media propaganda, simplified slogans and fear-based narratives. As Trump calls Somali immigrants as garbage, the narrative set by him is one of hatred and isolation of a community on the basis of wanting to control public opinions and beliefs. His electoral defeat in Minnesota has created a personal vendetta for him and he and his policy makers have utilized ICE publicity as a form of transmission communication to keep the masses on their toes and to demonstrate the one in power and the consequences of not following the narrative of the leader. 

In contrast to the transmission view, Carey explains the ritual view of communication as a form of a means of transmission that does not rely on knowledge and information, but as a source of readers’ or listeners' individual perception and thought process. It is a way of presenting reality in which life is provided a certain form and order. It is based on the engagement of readers of communication transmissions with the material and actively involves them in these events and happenings. The public and government of Minnesota seemed to focus on ritualistic way of thinking as they take on the information provided to them as a calling to act in ways that they imagine to be pure and true to their beliefs. As mentioned in the article, the news of ICE agents in their city has evoked a sense of contribution that has led to three forms of groups each working in its capacity to make a difference. The group of people working as protestors, another working through the system to provide shelter, food and help to immigrants while another works to warn people about the presence of ICE agents. Each group works through the ritual logic of communication as they create their own reality of information that they want to contend with. Even the author of this article, uses this form of communication to mingle with the people affected and understand the news transmitted to them through MAGA narratives. 

Simpson’s Concept of Sintering:

Leanne Simpson's concept of ‘Sintering’ in the “Theory of Water”, also sheds light on a different perspective of the situation in Minnesota. She explains sintering as a phenomenon of contracting and expanding which creates cracks and then binds together. This process can be understood in the nature of how certain communities can learn to adapt, transform and be random and repetitive as they navigate their political, economic and social conditions. It is the widening of possible outcomes and solutions that sintering is related to. The public of Minnesota is a prime example of this framework as they like the Indigenous and other racialized groups have taken on the transformation of bringing solidarity and stability to their region. The protestors, helping aids and the ICE watch did not exist a few months ago. They exist because they believe in coexistence, humanity, care and respect and they believe that it is their time to stand up to the injustices for the sake of a mutual, larger goal. Societies are held together by care and fostering relationships and Minnesota has set the standard for rallying against power-driven narratives as a form of building societies. 

The article ‘Minnesota Proves MAGA Wrong’ is a significant piece of news transmission as it showcases the layers of how information can be distorted and programmed to control with power. It further contrasts the side of information transmission that is related to how audiences interact with that piece of knowledge and in this case how the residents of Minnesota have taken upon themselves a part of the drama and take action. Minnesota’s resolve has demonstrated the need for repair over rupture, care over cruelty and human bonds over resentment and discrimination. Simpson’s view of sintering aligns with these transformations visible in Minnesota's display of unity. 

References:

Carey, James W. “A Cultural Approach to Communication.” Communication as Culture, Revised Edition, Routledge, 2009, pp. 39–56, https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203928912-9.

Simpson, Leanne Betasamosake. Theory of Water : Nishnaabe Maps to the Times Ahead. Haymarket Books, 2025.