Opinion | Trump syndrome is symptomatic of an alienated American society: Remember the thesis of the lonely crowd?
By Augustus K. Yeung
That former US president Donald J. Trump was able to draw a huge crowd of mob followers to storm the Capitol on January 6 is a statement of fact, though unprecedented in the nation's history. Explain this phenomenon. Is U.S. society sick?
One Western political scientist penned an article titled, "Belief in the myth of outlaw heroes partly explains Donald Trump's die-hard support."
According to David G. Bromley of the Virginia Commonwealth University, Trump likened himself to Russian dissident Alexei Navalny. And he frequently compared himself with a Chicago organized crime boss Al Capone.
During a speech in Nevada in December 2023, Trump painted himself as the victim of overzealous prosecutors who have treated him worse than Al Capone, the nation's most notorious criminals.
"He got indicted once," Trump told followers. "I got indicted four times. Over bullshit, I got indicted."
In his never-ending attempts to politicize his substantial legal troubles, Trump's exaggerated claims of victimhood are part of the appeal – to his die-hard MAGA followers, who believe what Trump tells them – that he is being persecuted by "deep state bureaucrats" – because he is fighting for them.
"Never forget," Trump said. "Our enemies want to take away my freedom – because I will never let them take away your freedom…they are not after me. They're after you. I just happened to be standing in their way."
The message – that Trump is serving as a protector against unexplained foes – is part of the myth of an outlaw hero. Belief in such characters may explain his unwavering support and commanding lead in the 2024 presidential race.
AMERICAN ROBIN HOODS?
In moments of high drama, the outlaw hero is a recurring figure throughout history.
American outlaw heroes symbolize resistance to perceived changes to a way of life. Most often, they emerge locally and gather visibility and celebrity because of their daring, audacious acts that become the stuff of legends.
The common theme in all outlaw hero legends is that – they claim to be engaged in campaigns to restore justice – by taking from the powerful and giving to the powerless and the poor. At great personal risk.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a series of outlaw heroes, among them notably Al Capone, around whom similar legends developed – that they stood up to unjust authorities in ways that were daring – captivating the imagination of many Americans.
But their reality of lives was completely different than their myths; they were constantly on the run from law enforcement authorities. While their daring jail escapes and bank robberies drew cheers from supporters, their lives were filled with dangerous shootouts, often ending in sudden deaths.
John Dillinger, for instance, the notorious bank robber who gained fame during the roaring 1920s, was shot to death by FBI agents on July 22, 1934, after one such shootout.
Though these outlaw heroes may have targeted the rich and powerful – there is scant evidence that the riches they accumulated were ever redistributed to the poor. But the banks they robbed held the savings of ordinary people, and the violence they fomented took place in their local communities.
Capone is one example.
TRUMP'S OUTLAW BEHAVIOR
The disparity between life and legend exists – because outlaw heroes were both celebrated by supporters and condemned by authorities. The result, then and now, is that each side has been baffled by the other's inability to see the truth.
The key to understanding outlaw heroes is that they flourish not despite but rather because of their rebelliousness. The more daring and rebellious the more commanding the figure becomes. Sounds like Trump?
Such is the case with Trump.
Despite his personal and family wealth, Trump has been able to convince his blue-collar supporters – that he is one of them. He presents himself as a persecuted figure who stands between them and politically motivated "witch hunts."
As their champion, Trump has been excused for the kinds of behaviors that have brought down other political figures.
Those behaviors include marital infidelity and sexual abuse, evading taxes and avoiding military service, disparaging (celebrated and wounded military) veterans and threatening his political opponents with lawsuits, imprisonment or execution.
Politically, Trump faces four criminal indictments that range from his efforts to remain in power following the 2020 presidential election to his alleged willful retention of classified documents.
What most distinguishes Trump from earlier outlaw heroes is that – he has actually captured the nation's most powerful position (as president) – and is now campaigning to reclaim it.
Though the final chapter of the Trump saga has yet to be written, there is the very real possibility that Trump, like outlaw heroes before him, will become larger in legend – after death than he was in life, remarked the political scientist. (Source: MDT/THE CONVERSATION)
This juxtaposition of Donald Trump with Al Capone is just great. But the somewhat tricky question of why so many people have followed him for so long – and "no matter what" – has yet to be answered.
This Trump cult or secularism is a phenomenon that uniquely characterizes contemporary American society – where social media has become an unparallel and unprecedented powerful force. Besides, there is this "lonely crowd" social syndrome spur by poverty and powerlessness.
The solution? Simply permit a rising China to grow naturally. Stop containing. That will enable America to redirect its depleted huge resources to heal the social wounds caused by decades of abuse of some social categories such as police brutality against black-Americans, and the glaring neglect of a disillusioned generation of blue-collar workers.
As it stands, history shows a hegemonic America has not and will not listen to the advice of its spineless "key" allies. Permit China to rise peacefully; it will prove an honest business partner in good (global) governance, a promise Xi Jinping has repeatedly made.
Alienation: With or without Trump, the avalanche of American democracy is already in action!
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
To contact the writer, please direct email: AugustusKYeung@ymail.com
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