The article discusses how President Trump's appeal may be linked to Americans feeling overwhelmed by choices in consumer goods. By suggesting a reduction in consumerism—like children not needing excessive toys—Trump echoes sentiments that resonate with a society fatigued by material choices. His governing style offers relief from decision paralysis, akin to a paternal figure. This desire for decisive leadership may stem from a collective sense of frustration with the excesses of the consumer economy and a longing for simplicity in decision-making.
Much of Trump's schtick-the aspiration to wear a crown (literally), the assertion that "I alone can fix it," the ostentatious governing through reward and punishment-can be seen as a leader offering his subjects relief from the burden of making decisions.
Writing in Slate, Rebecca Onion, also holding her nose, admitted that "American parenthood is an intense encounter with the excesses of the consumer economy, where the acquisition of stuff feels like it's not in your control."
Although most observers interpreted Trump's comments as a gaffe (because what president since Jimmy Carter has suggested that Americans should scrimp?), the journalist Alissa Quart wrote that Trump had "unwittingly" put his finger on a real problem.
...his heavy use of executive power (verging on what some experts have no problem calling authoritarianism) is often met with shrugs and blank stares.
Collection
[
|
...
]