Authoritarianism's Long Reach in America Exposed

Marginalized groups have long endured the effects of authoritarianism, while others are just now waking up to the reality.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 10:38pm

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This article explores how authoritarianism has gradually taken hold in America, disproportionately impacting marginalized communities long before the rest of the country recognized the problem. The author, a disabled, queer Black woman, argues that issues like healthcare access, police violence, and reproductive rights have always been shaped by authoritarian policies that target vulnerable populations, even as those in positions of privilege remained insulated. The article calls out the 'panic gap' between when harm begins and when it's widely acknowledged, and challenges the notion that authoritarianism is a new or sudden development in the US.

Why it matters

This article sheds light on how authoritarianism has long been present in America, even as many have remained oblivious to its effects. It highlights how marginalized groups like the disabled, LGBTQ+, and communities of color have endured the consequences of authoritarian policies for decades, while others are only now waking up to the reality. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing the root causes of authoritarianism and building a more equitable society.

The details

The article uses the metaphor of a pot of frogs to illustrate how authoritarianism has crept up gradually, with some groups more attuned to the rising danger than others. It cites examples of how policies like tying healthcare to employment, medical racism, forced sterilization, and police violence have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities long before the current 'panic' over democracy backsliding. The author argues that civil rights and protections have always been conditional and selectively applied, rather than universally guaranteed.

  • Authoritarianism didn't arrive with the fall of Roe v. Wade, but has been seeping in quietly for years through policies that initially only harmed certain groups.
  • Issues like medical racism, forced sterilization, and police violence targeting marginalized communities have been ongoing problems for decades.

The players

Marcayla Connell

The author of the article, a disabled, queer Black woman who has been warning about the rise of authoritarianism in America for years.

Norma Jean

A fictional character used in the article's metaphor, representing someone who gradually introduces authoritarianism to a 'pot' of diverse frogs (representing the American public).

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What they’re saying

“Many people believed these things couldn't happen here because they hadn't happened to them.”

— Marcayla Connell, Author

“Shock is often mistaken for moral clarity. But alarm that arrives late doesn't undo damage. It just reveals who was insulated long enough to be surprised.”

— Marcayla Connell, Author

The takeaway

This article challenges the notion that authoritarianism is a new or sudden development in America, highlighting how marginalized communities have long endured its effects. It calls for a deeper understanding of how authoritarian policies have become entrenched in the country's systems and structures, in order to address the root causes and build a more equitable future.