IMO its always about scapegoating, you need to find a minority which is prevelant enough for people to have encountered, but not too many that they’re in everyone’s family or work or friend circle - and that won’t have significant civic or voting power.
Post-ww2, ethnic divisions are more taboo, gay rights are too broadly popular to pursue, but trans people are the conservatives best punching down opportunity, while trying to appeal to people on the fence by being ‘virtuous’ and ‘saving the kids’.
IMO its always about scapegoating, you need to find a minority which is prevelant enough for people to have encountered, but not too many that they’re in everyone’s family or work or friend circle - and that won’t have significant civic or voting power.
Post-ww2, ethnic divisions are more taboo, gay rights are too broadly popular to pursue, but trans people are the conservatives best punching down opportunity, while trying to appeal to people on the fence by being ‘virtuous’ and ‘saving the kids’.