The Reality of a Trump Presidency and Its Impact on Mental Health
An Examination of the Socio-Political Landscape
RUOK?
After the US election, I received many calls and messages from friends and colleagues concerned about my mental health. This reflects the kind of people I associate with—those who share similar values.
I view Trump and the MAGA movement as a populist trend, amplified by AI technology. Like “RUOK”, “ME TOO” it’s a tribal grass roots reaction to the perception of social injustice. The idea of Trump returning to office was unimaginable and distressing for me and many of my friends. However, some friends felt the political system needed significant disruption beyond ideology.
Why? How? “A bad DNC campaign”
To understand why people voted for Trump, it's essential to set aside your own worldview and morality as they are irrelevant when trying to empathise with the reasons people supported Trump. Quite simply, Trump and the MAGA movement has hijacked conservatism by mounting a hostile takeover of the GOP moving social agenda radically and divisively to the right.
At the top of voters' concerns on both sides was the economy, primarily driven by financial frustrations and the Democrats failing to meet expectations. This, coupled with Gavin Newson’s parental exclusion law on gender affirmation in California, the green economy, cryptocurrency issues, taxation, immigration, reproductive rights, childcare, foreign policy, the failure to increase the minimum wage and Biden's perceived ineffectiveness as president in dealing with the Ukraine & Gaza, created the optimal conditions for Trump’s return.
Avoid adopting a divisive mindset that categorises all Trump voters as Nazis, racists, or misogynists; this unfairly misrepresents many hardworking Americans.
The reality is many women of colour voted for Trump. Many moral hardworking people from poverty and the middle class voted for a man they consider to be an immoral. This says more about the Democrats need for introspection than Trump and the MAGA movement.
In an ensuing facebook post by a friend, a lady blamed the Trumpslide on the fact that Harris was black. I’m of the opinion this had little or nothing to do with the outcome. Had the candidate been Michelle Obama for instance, an exceptional orator and leader with a proven track record of public service in popular culture, the potential outcome would be considerably different.
How do you know a politician is lying? Their lips are moving.
In my view, Harris was a lukewarm candidate who offered a continuity of the Biden agenda rather than change. She lacked charisma and did not convincingly inspire hope or demonstrate conviction. Her communication style was lengthy and unengaging. Additionally, she came across as unrelatable, awkward, and somewhat elitist, despite her background.
Voter turnout was 66.6% (make of that what you will) and 18 million less registered democrats voted for Harris as voted for Biden. This is a clear indictment of the Democrats appealing to their own base.
Trump on the other hand is a known quantity whose unfiltered, unpredictable. His brand is a shit talking contrarian deride, deny and bully with a love it or hate it mentality. He’s a seasoned carnival barker who’s brand has been in the Lexicon for decades. He never deviated from being on message with a simple slogan.
For what it's worth, in the populism of politics, he's selling shit she's selling sugar but people chose the stick over the carrot even if it against their own best interest (Propaganda, 1928 Edward Bernays).
To grasp regional America's reality, watch YouTube videos by Peter Santenello or Joe & Nick’s road trip. They show why Trump resonated with these overlooked communities.
People essentially agree on 90 percent of most things, food, shelter and safety. Of the remaining ten percent there is maybe two percent that is arguably different. Political ideology is no reasonable reason for division unless it’s oppressive, then it becomes the overriding reason for dissent.
Divided we stand in Commonality
In the tumultuous wake of the US election, the reality of a Trump presidency has sparked intense discussions and concerns, not just about political and economic shifts, but also about the broader impact on mental health. The diverse responses from friends and colleagues, reaching out in concern for my mental well-being, highlight the profound effect such a political phenomenon can have on individuals' mental states. This concern extends beyond mere political allegiances; it delves into the very core of human experience in times of societal upheaval.
Understanding the Populist Wave
The Trump presidency, much like other populist movements accelerated by modern technology, has created a significant shift in the collective consciousness. The MAGA movement has much in common with “Swifties”, “Tech Bro’s” “Me Too” in that they all have a villain, an evil antagonist to be opposed and defeated.
To truly understand why Trump garnered such support, one must set aside personal moral frameworks and consider the broader socio-economic context. Many voters, frustrated by the rising cost of living and perceived failures of the Democratic Party to address their needs, turned to Trump as a figure of change. This frustration transcends simple political binaries, revealing deep-seated economic and social anxieties.
Moreover, policies like Gavin Newsom’s parental exclusion law on gender affirmation in California schools have contributed to the discontent, adding layers of complexity to the electorate's motivations. It's essential to recognize that not all Trump supporters fit the stereotypical molds of racism or misogyny; many are driven by genuine concerns about their livelihoods and future.
The Divergence of Public Perception
The polarizing figure of Trump, often compared to a "carnival barker," underscores the stark divergence in public perception. On one hand, he is seen as a disruptor of the status quo, appealing to those disenchanted with traditional political rhetoric. On the other hand, figures like Kamala Harris, despite their credentials, struggle to engage and resonate with a broad audience. This dynamic mirrors the marketing principle where one should never sell Coke by talking about Pepsi; the focus should remain on the strengths of one's own narrative. The Harris campaign concentrated too heavily on the dangers of Trump to democracy rather than detail how they were going to fix financial inequality and a litany of broken promises.
Mental Health in the Age of Political Turmoil
The intersection of politics and mental health is starkly evident in the current climate. The constant barrage of political discourse, coupled with socio-economic uncertainties, can exacerbate stress and anxiety. For many, the Trump presidency has been a source of profound psychological strain, challenging their sense of reality and stability.
However, it is also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of a supportive community. The outpouring of concern from friends and colleagues is a reminder of the value of surrounding oneself with compassionate and understanding individuals. It underscores the need for open dialogue and mutual support in navigating these challenging times.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
The reality of a Trump presidency is multifaceted, impacting not just the political landscape but the mental health of countless individuals. It is a complex interplay of socio-economic factors, public perception, and personal well-being. As we continue to navigate these turbulent waters, it is crucial to maintain a perspective that acknowledges the diverse motivations and experiences of all individuals involved. Through understanding and support, we can better manage the mental health implications of such profound societal changes.
A few wise words from Willy on mental health.