Exactly - I started noticing prideful ignorance in the early 2010s. People around me made bad choices and would not be corrected. Their ignorance was just as valid as someone else’s actual knowledge. That’s when, strengthened by their own baseless pride, their shame disappeared. I’m not saying shame is good, but when it’s the only thing keeping the deplorables in check, maybe a little of it helps.
It used to be that I’m general, horrible people realised they were horrible and at least went through the motions of being decent. They were like cockroaches scurrying for the shadows when you turned on the light. Now they’re like a cat peeing on your bed - they pause long enough to lock eyes with you, then continue peeing.
Speaking optimistically, at least now we know exactly who they are.