For some time, Donald Trump presented himself as an enigma because of the popularity he has garnered despite radical rallies and unclear policies. He promotes racism & divisions amongst communities. Donald Trump claims that he intends to control immigration by building a wall around America. And more surprisingly, he expects Mexico to pay for the cost of this wall. The potential ban on Muslims entering the US if Donald Trump became President has accumulated a lot of support for the Trump campaign.
In the beginning, the idea of Donald Trump as a candidate was laughable and no one took his campaign seriously. However, there is a real concern now as he is the only candidate for the Republicans. Donald Trump’s unexpected rise to popularity is due to his status as a successful businessman, and his belief that America needs to become great again. However, it remains unclear what his policies for the economy are and what it is that he believes will turn America into a great nation again.
It is difficult to measure the term “great”. Trump is taking undue advantage of selling vague ideas and plans to the American public. Due to this, it is arguable that he is solidifying racist stereotypes and gaining extremist voters. In many ways, Trump is making headlines and accomplishing the aim of remaining in the limelight.
There appears to be some sympathy with the American populace; which is that the presidential candidates are below par. Many have chosen Trump as the only remaining resort. This is mainly due to Trump’s prejudices and politically incorrect, racist opinions which appeal to the masses.
There is a question I am unable to decipher about Trump. What does he represent? Is he selling xenophobia to the American voters; which he is applying towards the Mexicans and Muslims? Or is he selling something else; something more sneaky; which is not so visible to the naked eye? His ideas and approaches are those of a tyrant; he wishes to use nuclear weapons on anyone who stands against him. His arguments are more focused on defaming his opponents’ characters and insulting their wives rather than in providing answers on policies.
There is a lot of information available on Trump; from his father to his children. What is concerning is the number of times Trump makes U-turns on his initial reactions/responses and openly denies the truth without facing any consequences. Trump; in my opinion, is selling false patriotism and xenophobia. He is employing old tactics of ‘divide and rule’; and what a shame it is to admit that he is successful in such an endeavour.
It is due to his riches and influence that he is not held accountable for his words or his actions. This is highly concerning for the future of America and the rigid mind-set that is revolutionising in the hearts of the people.
Some people believe that Trump does not mean what he says; that his extremist views and biases are just a way for him to gain the limelight. It is difficult to digest that such a man, despite being a successful shrewd businessman could have rallies which target the minorities. Nevertheless, his statements are given the benefit of the doubt, for no other reason than the need to excuse his rotten prejudices and to overlook his agenda. It would be shocking to imagine that the future candidates for the United States presidency could be racist or promote xenophobia.
From what I understand, Trump’s popularity can be credited to his target audience whom he knows well, who want America to be “great” again, who are highly patriotic and who have conceptualised a common enemy: The IS and by association, the Muslim community. This is clearly visible in Trump’s promotion of propagating terror attacks and validating a temporary ban on Muslims. What’s more, Trump has clear policies that are easy to understand by the masses. Trump is ruthless in his attack on Obama’s nationality, and this in turn promotes his own identity and brand, which is seen as American, strong, successful and great. He has portrayed himself as a brand ambassador for America and is attracting votes through these tactics. Moreover, when he is asked to comment on his atrocious beliefs towards Muslims, he states he is protecting them.
As the only remaining candidate of the Republican Party, Trump is now changing his strategy. The resigning of the other two Republican candidates is suspicious; as the field is now open and clear for Trump to do as he pleases. What was involved in achieving this, why have the two contenders left the race midway? It is of some consolation that the Republicans are divided on the subject of Donald Trump, and it would be interesting to see how Donald Trump intends to bring the party together.
Bibliography:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/donald-trump-is-the-most-dangerous-man-in-the-world-a-1075060.html
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/may/31/stephen-hawking-donald-trump-popularity-inexplicable-and-brexit-spells-disaster
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-racist-examples_us_56d47177e4b03260bf777e83
The Secret Behind Donald Trump’s Savvy Brand Building
I think there are several key reasons why he is so popular.
First, he provides an escape goat for people’s failures, immigrants. In recent decades, the lower and middle classes in developed countries have fared some of the worst globally in terms of income growth and job/general security. The belief that you will have a better life than your parents is largely a thing of the past. However, we constantly are told how successful other people are. In our society we are judged so much by our success. Apparent failure can be very hard to cope with, especially for men. The astronomical suicide rate among middle aged men is just a symptom of this. It is easier to just blame someone else for your problems than admit your own limitations. The areas where people are most anti-immigration is often where there are few immigrants, but deprivation is most prevalent.
Second, people don’t like being told they can’t have something, they want hope. Main stream politics is focusing on austerity, not growth. Politicians are no longer promising increasing living standards and a “house for every person” as they were in the naughties. They have come to distrust mainstream politics after the financial crisis. Trump is very different to the political mainstream. When he says that he will make America great again, he doesn’t give people an action plan of how. He does however give arguably one of the most important things in politics instead, hope for a better tomorrow.
Third, he has charisma when he speaks. You can say what you want, as long as you have charisma people will listen. A famous example is the Kennedy vs Nixon TV/Radio debates. People who heard the debates on the radio said Nixon won, but those who watched it on TV said Kennedy was the winner. How you say something is often more important than what you say.
One final comment. He is worth around $3 billion. If had has simply invested his inherited wealth in the stock market, he would be closer to $8 billion. In short, he isn’t great at business, as shown by his numerous failed enterprises.
Thanks for your comment.
Surely someone who is preaching about negative things like racial hatred/divide, is scapegoating and so politically incorrect should not be liked for this or provided so much positive media coverage? Because he is not trying to keep his extremism quiet; he is simply providing an outlet for extremists and is openly encouraging the divide. Perhaps his honesty is what sets him apart from other politicians but isn’t it concerning if this is what is attracting the people? Not the content of what he says but that he is honest in his approach to popularity?
We should be discussing why people feel racism is acceptable in today’s day and age? Because when we discuss Trump and call him charismatic (even though he may not be charismatic to us) then we are placing him on a pedestal which he doesn’t deserve.