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Mortals who get morphed into totems or symbols, attain a mythic power - and it doesn't seem to matter whether they are true victims or narcissistic madmen. This is because symbols are fluid and they become whatever a group or individual wants or needs them to be. Jesus was a teacher who became a martyr/victim and was eventually turned into a god - the biggest symbol invented by humans.

Joseph Campbell, while certainly not having a madman in mind when he wrote about the biography of a mythological savior in his book "Thou Art That" writes, "People with a certain value and impact of character act very much as magnets for the mythic materials that float always in the air. As they become attached to these figures, they form themselves into constellations around them, illuminating their character and their teaching."

In the case of narcissistic madmen, it might be said thusly: "Sociopaths, with a certainty about themselves, who lie in order to bend reality to match their internal distorted views, act very much as magnets for the malcontents, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists, and would-be authoritarian misogynists who turn the madman into a savior figure."

Once a person reaches savior/totem/symbol status, they can do no wrong in the eyes of their zealous adherents.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian and expert on authoritarianism and propaganda, offers several strategies to dispel the myth of the strongman. Here are some key points she suggests:

1. Expose the Reality Behind the Image: Strongmen thrive on a carefully crafted image of invincibility and strength. It is crucial to reveal the truth behind this facade by highlighting their incompetence, corruption, and the damage they inflict on their countries.

2. Promote the Value of Democratic Institutions: Emphasize the importance and effectiveness of democratic institutions and processes. This helps counteract the narrative that only a strongman can solve a country's problems.

3. Support Independent Media: Independent journalism plays a vital role in uncovering and reporting on the abuses and failures of authoritarian leaders. Supporting free press and protecting journalists are essential steps.

4. Encourage Civic Engagement: Strongmen often gain and maintain power by discouraging civic participation and instilling a sense of helplessness among the populace. Encouraging and facilitating civic engagement can empower citizens and challenge authoritarian narratives.

5. Use Historical Examples: Educating people about historical examples of strongman regimes and their often disastrous outcomes can help prevent the romanticization of such leaders. Lessons from history can serve as powerful warnings.

6. Promote Ethical Leadership: Highlighting and supporting leaders who demonstrate ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability can offer a stark contrast to the corrupt and self-serving nature of strongmen.

By employing these strategies, individuals and societies can work to dismantle the myths surrounding strongmen and foster a more informed and resilient democratic culture.

This November, We the People, will have our only opportunity to dispel the myth once and for all. We can say with our VOTES that the would-be orange emperor, has no clothes. It is the only way that this particular mad man can be stopped. #VoteBlue

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Thanks for this insightful response--and especially for the Campbell quote. Ruth Ben-Ghiat's "Strongman" is indispensible reading for our times.

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The primary characteristic of the Trump totem is that of victim. It is an open question how long a persona based on victimhood can survive in an Anerica where the primary totem has always been the rugged individual who prevails in the face of all kinds of challenges. When he burst on the national stage, that is what people were attracted to: the savvy, brash business man who made millions. Now he is a whiny loser. I think he appeals to people who feel vicitimized by a strong economy whose benefits they are not experiencing and those who feel the world is changing too fast, but I'm not sure they will remain committed to someone who just keeps losing.

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Just finished your book, White Too Long (audio version). Thanks for your perspectiveand your prophetic voice...

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Jonathan, thanks for reading the book and for this kind note. I'm glad you found it engaging.

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Do persons who become “totems” ever step aside? Ever accept defeat and continue to live outside of prison?

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Ruth Ben-Ghiat's Strongman covers this territory in depth. In short, they almost never voluntarily step aside but must be resisted and defeated.

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In his second novel,, but Goeff Robberts describes a renegade president who proposes forming a "Christian" nation and gets a number of states to secede. DOMINION 2024 - The Next Civil War. And the first volume , Time of Ends - An Apocalyptic Political Polemic, describes the house arrest of that same president who used the National Guard to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Sounds like Trump's threats doesn't it? BUT TOE WAS PUBLISHED IN 2021.

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