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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe Man Who Stood Behind Trump
Interesting feature article at the Washington Post this morning which offers a glimpse into a particular Trumpster's mindset, a man who cannot see, cannot hear the damage that is being done by this Administration. A good ole boy who excuses himself because he's convinced he's a 'good man.' In some respects, that appears to be true in his relationships within his own personal sphere. But even there, his insight is limited, his ability to reflect in any deep manner has been short-circuited when it comes to racism, sexism and/or base cruelty. Because it hasn't affected him . . . personally.
It's only when he starts to receive critical, unflattering emails that the Man Who Stood Behind Trump begins to blink, just a smidge.
He doesn't recall racial strife in the South though he was born and raised in the Mississippi Delta, born 50 miles from where Emmett Till was murdered. He doesn't remember segregated bathrooms or water fountains during the 60's, just doesn't recall. He simply has no living memory of racial violence in the South. For a man of privilege (think trust fund baby) he sees only the world that he's lived in, been part of--a good life, an easy life, a world where The Man Who Stood Behind Trump is respected, well-liked, even loved.
So when the emails start over his Trump rally appearance where POTUS mocks Christine Blasey Ford and he and his friend laugh and clap and cheer, he's mystified that strangers would call him on his behavior. Because he's not a sexist, he would tell them. He's loved his Mama and his sick wife, both strong women. Surely his love of the black woman who tended him as child proves that he has no animosity towards women or black people. He loved Edna Beatty in the way only a child can love so surely that proves he's a 'good man' though he doesn't recall ever asking about her personal life, the one she lived beyond him.
He doesn't remember. He cannot see or hear.
The Man Who Stood Behind Trump is only beginning to think about these things. He's still living in the dimly lit room he's constructed for himself, still defending his positions. But without the carefree innocence of the past which is something he hankers for--the way things used to be where your patriotism, your place in the world was never questioned.
The Good Ole Days.
Mind boggling.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/national/wp/2019/01/19/feature/the-man-who-stood-behind-trump/?utm_term=.a96fd8d935e2

Botany
(73,852 posts)peggysue2
(11,750 posts)The Man Who Stood Behind Trump can't see that, can't comprehend the connection. Because he didn't allow it to enter his personal world, not even his living memory.
What I found fascinating about the article was the construct this man has accepted as real, a construct that completely inoculates him from the life--the Good, the Bad, the Ugly--swirling around him. The Man Who Stood Behind Trump isn't your typical knuckle-dragger basking in their hatred of all things different. This is a guy who's convinced himself that he couldn't possibly be all the things those critical emails claimed he was. Because his perspective is so out of whack.
Nonetheless, those emails startled, rattled him. The unflattering comments didn't wake him up but they nudged him into at least thinking about what they meant.
For a guy who's been living in a deluded narrative that's probably a lot.
Lots of unexamined lives out in the hinterlands, perfect matches to Trumpski and his Big Lie.
SharonClark
(10,458 posts)It reminds me how when we become invested in a politician then it's hard to break that bond.
He thinks he's a good man who likes Trump so if Trump is awful then he must be awful; he doesn't think that about himself so he doesn't think that about Trump.
He's unaware and clueless. So tribal and so sad for the rest of us.
peggysue2
(11,750 posts)True delusional thinking. And yes, so sad, so destructive for the rest of the country.
chimpymustgo
(12,774 posts)We GET it. People with privilege don't necessarily SEE those without it. How about a story on somebody who sees the light?
peggysue2
(11,750 posts)Just haven't read it yet, not on this level of delusion.
The stories out there of people shifting their perspectives have been people suddenly finding their own lives and choices narrowed because of Trump's policies. Seeing the light has been seeing their wallets and prospects shrinking, not some major revelation. As was the case with that woman from Florida's panhandle hurt from hurricane storm damage and now the shutdown. Her major complaint?
Trump wasn't hurting the right people.
So if I find one of those Road to Damascus stories I'll certainly read it and comment. I just found this one interesting.
chimpymustgo
(12,774 posts)focuses on. And, as you know, Trump voters aren't even the majority of Americans.
It's time for stories about his supporters seeing the light.
But perhaps they aren't.
peggysue2
(11,750 posts)And, of course, you're right: sadly, we don't see those stories, be it because they're underreported or more frighteningly, they don't exist.
More looking required, perhaps.
Hekate
(97,261 posts)peggysue2
(11,750 posts)
Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(121,700 posts)And briefly lived in McComb Mississippi as a kid. I remember the racist shit. This guy's either lying or has brain damage.
peggysue2
(11,750 posts)a bubble all his life. How could you not recall racial violence in the 60's???? Or segregated facilities?
Really?
Brain damage might explain it. The devotion to Trump is really very cult-like in nature which in itself causes mental dysfunction and cognitive impairment.
Incredible how we can deceive ourselves, let alone having others con us.