Self-pity is a big part of today's reactionary conservatism, whether from the alt-right white supremacists or the good ol' boys endlessly whining online -- all of them convinced to some degree that liberal conspiracies are ruining their little lives, persecuting them, denying them the privileges they formerly enjoyed at the expense of others. It's a great way for them to evade personal responsibility, to avoid facing their own failures in adjusting to modern times and an ever-changing society. Much simpler to blame somebody else. 
But what else could be expected from people who find the very word "progressive" repugnant, "regressive" obviously more in their style. Some of them have expressed, on this very site, their disdain for higher education and even reading. Younger generations know better, thank heaven.