The Trump Situation
“Salma Hayek says Donald Trump harassed her…” –The Sydney Morning Herald
“Porn star: Trump offered me $10000” –NEWS.com.au
“Donald Trump’s Deep Love Of Tax Depreciation…” –Forbes
“Trump Freaks Out and Runs From Interview When Asked About His Racism and Sexism” –PoliticsusUSA
Trump, Trump, Trump, Donald Trump. The swirling pool of negative headlines and criticisms, regarding racism, misogyny, thoughtless remarks, and reckless behaviors, show how Donald Trump is a long way from a politician. From the day Trump said he would run in the Republican nomination for the U.S. presidential election, pundits and public thought his campaign was a joke. However, in July, Trump was formally nominated for president at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
From this ironical and unexpected situation, we should not just say ‘Oh my, what’s happening!’, but also pose an important question ‘why is person like Donald Trump receiving tremendous support and becoming a Republican nominee for the U.S. presidential election?’ There are different support groups with various characteristics.
The biggest group that value Donald Trump’s candidacy is composed of white middle class with an idea that America need to reenergize its fundamental cultural values. Since the foundation of the United States of America, superiority and sense of entitlement of whites were naturally rooted. However, as the country became more diverse, the importance of moral relativism and social rights of its diverse population is highlighted. Politicians no longer assert strong opinions on social issues due to the changing societal norm; with America’s constitutional rights, racial and sexual minorities in the past are getting much more support. Therefore, the number of politicians who specifically support white middle class is decreasing. Black lives matter more and illegal immigrants who break the law get a free pass.
In contrast to other politicians, Donald Trump embodies the rage of such population group. He is not afraid of unraveling the hidden wants of the group. His actions and strong opinions provide sense of satisfaction. Trump’s campaign is attracting people emotionally rather than rationally.
Also, another large supporting group of the Trump campaign has a mindset of ‘Trump is a gamble worth taking’. The general population is disappointed in the fact that they have to accept the partial promises of the politicians. The bitter reality is people are accepting the little progress from the individual that holds the office of President.
Unlike other candidates, Trump is not making a lot of promises and mentions the fact that he will not be able to follow through with any impossible promises. The unique image of Trump and his strong opinions on several issues, people are thinking ‘at least he is going to keep the promises that he makes, and what’s the worst that can happen?’
The desirable reaction of the general public about the Trump candidacy should be thinking of the supporters’ rationales and brainstorming the solutions to resolve the problems.