I've read a lot about how trump's authoritarian goals appeal to a surprising number of people. Anne Applebaum's "Twilight of Democracy" is eye-opening to this as an international phenomenon. But I've seen less about what it is about the "garble" of trump that appeals, and why. Is it that it appeals to the conspiracy minded? They "connect the dots" in the rummage and feel superior for being "in the know?" Is it the effect of the increasing mindlessness of entertainment-oriented TV?
The article you cite doesn't really do that analysis, just compares it to rubes liking strange things. But that begs the question about why the rubes liked the snake-oil sideshows. If you know anyone who has looked into the psychology of this I'd appreciate some tips.
I've read a lot about how trump's authoritarian goals appeal to a surprising number of people. Anne Applebaum's "Twilight of Democracy" is eye-opening to this as an international phenomenon. But I've seen less about what it is about the "garble" of trump that appeals, and why. Is it that it appeals to the conspiracy minded? They "connect the dots" in the rummage and feel superior for being "in the know?" Is it the effect of the increasing mindlessness of entertainment-oriented TV?
The article you cite doesn't really do that analysis, just compares it to rubes liking strange things. But that begs the question about why the rubes liked the snake-oil sideshows. If you know anyone who has looked into the psychology of this I'd appreciate some tips.