The Mass Psychology of Trumpism

New Lines Magazine

28 Mar 202414:07

Summary

TLDRThe video script explores the enduring appeal of Donald Trump, suggesting that his support stems from a perception that he embodies a 'liminal' figure—superhuman yet lacking certain human qualities. Drawing parallels with historical figures and psychological profiles, the script delves into Trump's persona as a TV character and a superhero, positing that his charisma and the entertainment he provides at rallies contribute to his base's loyalty. It also touches on the role of authoritarianism in Trump's rhetoric and its resonance with his followers, who view him as a protector against perceived threats.

Takeaways

🗳️ The script discusses the possibility of Donald Trump winning another presidential election and the implications for American society.
🤔 It questions why Trump, despite being twice impeached and facing criminal charges, remains favored by a significant portion of the electorate.
🧐 The author suggests that Trump's appeal may stem from the perception that he is 'more than a person' and 'less than a person' to his supporters.
📚 A reference is made to Henry A. Murray's psychological study of Satan, drawing parallels between the traits attributed to Satan and those seen in Trump by some psychologists.
🦸‍♂️ Trump sees himself as a superhero and projects an image of infallibility, which resonates with his supporters despite a lack of introspection or emotional depth.
📺 The script highlights Trump's TV persona from 'The Apprentice' and how it has shaped the public's perception of him, creating strong emotional bonds.
🎭 It is argued that Trump's behavior is more akin to a TV character than a 'full-fledged person,' with actions driven by what would make for good television rather than personal motivations.
🎉 The enjoyment and thrill Trump provides at his rallies are highlighted, with supporters experiencing a sense of belonging and fun alongside expressions of anger.
🤝 Trump's appeal among certain demographics is linked to his ability to channel grievances and present himself as a protector of the 'ingroup' against perceived threats.
🛡️ The script touches on the authoritarian traits attributed to Trump and how they are embraced by some supporters who view him as a strongman figure.
🎭 The final point is that Trump's persona transcends his actual personhood, becoming a mythologized figure that will continue to influence American culture regardless of electoral outcomes.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented by Mark Liovic in the transcript?
-Mark Liovic argues that Donald Trump's enduring appeal stems from the perception that he is not a person in the traditional sense, but rather a figure who is both more and less than a person, embodying qualities of a superhero without the full emotional depth of a human.
What comparison does Liovic make between Donald Trump and the depiction of Satan in Henry A. Murray's study?
-Liovic compares Trump to the depiction of Satan in Murray's study, noting that both are characterized by malignant narcissism, a desire for supreme power, and a lack of compassion and empathy, yet possess charisma and charm.
How does Liovic describe Trump's self-perception in relation to his supporters?
-Liovic suggests that Trump perceives himself as a force for good and as qualitatively different from the rest of humankind, often comparing himself to a superhero and believing in his own infallibility.
What role does Trump play in the minds of his supporters according to the transcript?
-In the minds of his supporters, Trump is a liminal figure who is superhuman in some ways but also lacks certain qualities that most people possess, making him a figure who is more than a person but less than a person too.
How does the transcript explain the emotional effect Trump has on his supporters at rallies?
-The transcript explains that Trump evokes a sense of enjoyment, thrill, and belonging at his rallies, with his supporters experiencing positive feelings and a sense of camaraderie alongside expressions of anger and resentment.
What does the term 'Jouissance' refer to in the context of the transcript?
-In the context of the transcript, 'Jouissance' refers to a kind of delicious enjoyment that borders on farce and shamelessness, describing the fun and thrill that Trump's supporters experience, even when it involves expressions of anger or resentment.
What is the significance of the 'Rainman' comparison made by Steve Bannon in the transcript?
-The 'Rainman' comparison signifies that Trump, like the character in the movie, may be perceived as deficient in certain basic human aptitudes but has embraced a persona that makes him a unique and powerful figure in the eyes of his supporters.
How does the transcript describe the role of authoritarian leaders in making their followers feel good?
-The transcript describes authoritarian leaders as making their followers feel good by proclaiming them to be good people and their enemies as bad, creating a stark division between the in-group and out-group and presenting themselves as protectors with special powers.
What does the transcript suggest about the potential for Trump to return to the White House?
-The transcript suggests that while Trump has enduring support and a unique appeal, it remains an open question whether this will be enough for him to return to the White House, given that he has never won the popular vote and his approval ratings have not reached 50%.
How does the transcript characterize the mythological status of Trump in the minds of Americans?
-The transcript characterizes Trump as a remarkable criminal figure and a personified entity around which mythologies are made, existing as more than a person could ever be and much less in the minds of millions of Americans.

Outlines

00:00

😲 The Perplexing Appeal of Donald Trump

The first paragraph delves into the enduring support for Donald Trump despite his controversial political history and personal flaws. It explores the idea that Trump's appeal may stem from a perception that he embodies both more and less than a person, drawing parallels with the mythical figure of Satan as analyzed by Harvard psychologist Henry A. Murray. The comparison highlights Trump's charismatic yet self-centered and vindictive nature, suggesting that his supporters view him as a superhuman figure, exempt from conventional norms and capable of extraordinary feats, which may explain their unwavering loyalty.

05:01

🎭 The TV Persona and Authoritarian Charm of Trump

The second paragraph examines Trump's persona as a TV character and its impact on his supporters, who have formed strong emotional bonds with him through shows like 'The Apprentice.' It discusses how Trump's behavior is more akin to that of a TV character than a typical person, with a narrative vacuum at the core of his personality. The paragraph also touches on the enjoyment and thrill that Trump's rallies provide, suggesting that his supporters relish in the entertainment value and the sense of belonging they experience. Furthermore, it explores the role of Trump as a 'lional' figure, who is seen as possessing superhuman qualities while also lacking certain human attributes, which paradoxically enhances his appeal among his base.

10:03

🤔 The Authoritarian Attraction and Trump's Persona

The third paragraph focuses on the authoritarian allure of Trump's leadership style and the psychological dynamics at play among his supporters. It discusses how authoritarian leaders, like Trump, create a stark division between the 'good' in-group and the 'evil' out-group, using rhetoric that reinforces their followers' sense of identity and superiority. The paragraph also examines the role of enjoyment and the 'JO' effect, a French term for a guilty pleasure that combines fun with a sense of outrage. It suggests that Trump's supporters derive pleasure from his taunting and defiance, which aligns with their perception of him as a strongman with a providential mission. The paragraph concludes by questioning whether Trump's unique appeal will be sufficient for a return to the White House, acknowledging his enduring presence in the minds of many Americans.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism refers to a form of government characterized by strong central authority and limited political freedoms. In the context of the video, it is used to describe the potential threat of a leader assuming dictatorial powers, as suggested by Trump's promises. The script alludes to Trump's supporters not recoiling at the idea of him unleashing an authoritarian regime, indicating a possible acceptance of such a system.

💡Malignant Narcissism

Malignant narcissism is a psychological term describing a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy, and a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success and power. The video script uses this term to draw parallels between the personality traits attributed to Donald Trump and those historically associated with the mythical figure of Satan, suggesting an extreme form of self-absorption and a disregard for others.

💡Parasocial Bonds

Parasocial bonds refer to one-sided relationships where individuals form emotional attachments to media figures without any reciprocal interaction. The script mentions these bonds in relation to Trump's TV persona on 'The Apprentice,' highlighting how millions of Americans developed a strong emotional connection with him, which may contribute to his enduring appeal.

💡Superhero

A superhero is a fictional character with extraordinary abilities, often fighting against evil. The video script uses the concept of a superhero to illustrate how Trump perceives himself and is perceived by his supporters as a powerful figure capable of overcoming challenges and adversaries, despite any perceived flaws or lack of traditionally valued human qualities.

💡Persona

In psychology, a persona refers to a social role or a collection of roles that an individual plays. The script discusses how Trump has embraced and perfected a 'Trumpian' persona, which has become a heroic character in the eyes of his supporters, transcending his individual identity to become a symbol of certain values and beliefs.

💡Incohate Rage

Incohate rage, a term used in the script, seems to be a typographical error and likely refers to 'inchoate rage,' which means an intense but unfocused anger. The video discusses how Trump is able to channel this rage among his supporters, particularly working-class white Americans, who feel wronged and betrayed, and who see Trump as their warrior and advocate.

💡Jouissance

Jouissance is a French term used in the script to describe a kind of intense enjoyment that is associated with transgression and pleasure derived from engaging in activities that are considered taboo or inappropriate. The script uses this term to describe the enjoyment and thrill that Trump supporters experience at his rallies, which includes a mix of anger, resentment, and a sense of belonging.

💡Divisive Rhetoric

Divisive rhetoric refers to language that emphasizes differences and creates or deepens divisions among groups. The script mentions how Trump uses divisive rhetoric to separate his supporters, who are portrayed as 'good,' from his enemies, who are depicted as 'evil,' thus reinforcing the us-versus-them mentality that is characteristic of authoritarian leaders.

💡Nationalism

Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of a shared national identity and seeks to promote the interests of a particular nation, often against perceived threats from outsiders. The script refers to Trump as the 'Rainman of nationalism,' suggesting that he has a unique and powerful ability to articulate and rally support for nationalist sentiments.

💡Fascist Rhetoric

Fascist rhetoric is a style of speech that promotes authoritarianism, nationalism, and often racism. The video script discusses how Trump's increasing use of such rhetoric, including threats to become a dictator, is not met with resistance from his supporters but rather is embraced, indicating a willingness to accept or even desire for authoritarian rule.

Highlights

Author Mark Liovic warns that if Trump wins again, Americans must let go of the notion that his support is not representative of who they are.

Trump's appeal is questioned, especially considering his impeachments and criminal charges, yet he remains favored to return to the presidency.

Supporters' unwavering loyalty to Trump, despite his promises of authoritarian rule, is explored as a central theme.

The enduring appeal of Trump is suggested to stem from a perception that he is more and less than a person in the minds of millions.

A comparison is drawn between Trump and the historical depiction of Satan, highlighting similarities in personality traits.

Trump's self-perception as a force for good and his self-comparison to a superhero are discussed as key to his persona.

The lack of introspection or emotional depth in Trump's public persona is noted by interviewers and biographers.

Trump's behavior is likened to that of a TV character, with his actions often predicted by considering what a TV character would do.

The parasocial bonds formed between Trump and his supporters through his TV show 'The Apprentice' are mentioned.

Trump's persona is described as heroic, with his supporters viewing him as a figure who is exempt from conventional norms.

The role of Trump as a channel for the incoherent rage and grievances of his supporters is highlighted.

The enjoyment and thrill experienced by Trump supporters at rallies, alongside expressions of anger, are discussed.

Authoritarian leaders, including Trump, are said to make their followers feel good by proclaiming them as good people against evil enemies.

Trump's potential return to the presidency and the implications of his fascist rhetoric are considered.

The divide between Trump's enduring support and the repugnance he incites in others is examined.

The lasting impact of Trump as a mythologized figure in the minds of millions is predicted, regardless of his political future.