Lessons from Trumpism
For a couple of months, many have been left in awe as to how Americans have joined the Trump "bandwagon" despite his disparaging and menacing comments.
Personally I am one of those advocating for a Trump presidency.
Some would say it proves how racist, sexist, homophobic, and Islamophobic, and anti-immigration the majority of Americans are, or at the very least 40% of all Americans are. That appears to be the standard media approved, politically correct, Democratic stance on the reason for the rise of Trump.
I think it indicates that the U.S. is following the path that Europe appears to be set upon. In my opinion, Trump’s popularity echos the popularity of populist leaders in Europe precisely because of the name calling and shaming directed toward the majority or close to the majority of Americans.
What is causing populism, as reflected in support for Trump? The people of the US have seen the majority (or 40% if you prefer) being shamed by the oligarchy and political elite using words like racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic. This makes it impossible for the majority to have a reasonable discussion about issues of race, gender, immigration without being shut down and shamed (or even prosecuted as is the case with speaking about the little girl who was raped by arabic immigrants in Idaho).
This ever more ruthless policy of the elite thinking they know what is best for everyone, shaming those who simply disagree, and socially and lately legally punishing people for simply disagreeing with the political elite is totally unsustainable.
For example: In the rush to protect transgender, regulations were put in place that ignored the concerns of the majority of the people about predators being allowed in restrooms (which HAS happened as a direct result of this policy). People who brought up this concern were called homophobic, transphobic, rather than trying to figure out regulations that would both protect the transgender and protect children from predators. For example, a compromise could have been, transgender who look like women will be allowed in women’s restrooms when they look like a woman (and vice versa for transgender males), but if they dress like a man and look like a man they are not allowed in the women’s restroom (or dressed like a woman allowed in the men’s room). Instead the determination was made on the basis of the transgenders feelings, not appearance or any characteristic that would keep predators out of restrooms.
Instead the political elite are leaving the door open for a man to enter a women’s restroom looking like a man, dressed like a man and saying he was transgender when he was not. But people with these concerns were totally shut down, shamed and degraded by the elite political class who called them ugly names for even having this concern. This is just one tiny example of the majority being told they were ignorant and ..phobic people, which has sparked populism.
The only sustainable and organic form of government is one that respects local culture, custom, religions and allows and encourages dialog even if that dialog makes the ruling class uncomfortable. When the government takes culture, customs and religion into account and slowly and respectfully makes changes in these areas it will be sustainable.
Populism is a worldwide revolt of the majority feeling disrespected, ignored, and oppressed by the political elite and oligarchy. Donald Trump is a reflection of those feelings as is LePen in France and the people who voted for Brexit in the UK.
The bitter truth is that even though the top 1% americans change the world and the top 30% have the highest per capita income, the bottom 70% are still less than average in terms of their views and ideology. This is not a personal statement,but a fact. Most Indians who go to America also realise this. At the same time, the presidential canditates of the time are not neccesarily clear cut winners and are all from political backgrounds except Trump.
He provides a clear reason to vote for him *what separates business men from others. The art of advertising* - to ‘make America great again’. Its a cliche’ of course, a million people could each arrive at a different definition of what ‘great’ means. It is clear as a bell and odds are memory will fail to recall what anyone else promises because no one is as clear. This technique is used by advertisers the world over to get a mental ‘position’.
He is consistent. We love consistency and that’s why companies love to promote their consistent results.
He hasn't backtracked on his comments that have attracted a lot of public resentment world all over.
He has stuck to his guns.
Many shall be critic of this article but in the end it gets back to leadership.
You won't impress anyone.
You ought to lose to gain.
To "Make America Great Again" shall call for this kind of leader.
One who is open, outspoken and is articulative.
Wait for my next article as to why I am in support of the BREXIT.
By Hillary Bainny kururagyire
hillarykbainny@gmail.com
