Yesterday the UFC held its 250th event at the white house, to commemorate 250 years since the founding of America, but also for Donald Trump’s birthday. It is not uncommon to see leaders of the world hold events in celebration of history and great achievements. However the celebration of one’s own birthday, partially funded by taxpayers money, is more akin to North Korea and Kim Jong Un .
Trump is well known around the world as a divisive figure, constantly poking the boundaries of what he feasibly can get away with. However beyond the actual policies of his government, to which I shall not comment, there appears a peculiar case of pageantry. This is highlighted by the recent UFC event.
By covering Trump for his recent term, many small factors have to come to light that appear closer to personal narcissism. The huge events, the parades, the statues, the name changes. They all are done with Trump’s image in mind. For him he wishes to represent himself as not just the president, but the best president to ever hold office.
Although this is seperate from actual policy making, it does still hold infulence. Trump’s obsession with appearance bleeds into his decision making. Tariffs, international bullying and his attacking tweets. All of these are factors of strong manning, where an individual attempts to appear more masculine to force through ideas or plans.
In many cases, alot of Trump’s policies rely on appearing successful rather than actually working. Short term success in all of his plans is key, which can be paraded around and weaponised against doubters. The Executive orders are the primary example. Signing his name on a piece of paper, as if that can instantly change the functionality of society. They appear as instant success and progress, yet the reality is very different.
Many of his orders do not actually get implemented. They are either too ambitious, blocked by congress or just downright irresponsibly daft. Yet they appear to be instant and effective.
Trump’s personality and ambition pools into a giant performance. Similiar to Stalin’s Gigantomania, and love all things superfluously large, Trump is all about the bigger, the better. As well all know, the bigger something appears, the weaker the foundations truly are.
Therefore the UFC event, which has caused alot of outrage due to it’s public display of wealth and elitism, is but a symptom of a larger issue. Trump performs his position, and often tends to exaggerate many of his statements. Creating uncertainty around if he should be in the most powerful position in the world.
Common Sense Journalism 