Disney's Victory Lap, Online Privacy, and Guest Ruth Ben-Ghiat
Apr 9, 2024
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Ruth Ben-Ghiat, an NYU history professor and author of "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present," joins the conversation, unpacking lessons from historical autocrats to analyze modern political figures like Donald Trump. The discussion traverses the alarming rise of authoritarianism and its parallels in today's media landscape. They delve into the implications of ongoing legislative efforts on online privacy and reflect on the normalization of political violence and its effects on democracy. It's a fascinating blend of history, politics, and contemporary issues.
Donald Trump's use of violent imagery normalizes violence in politics and undermines democratic institutions.
Trump's admiration for dictators serves to normalize violence through a reeducation strategy, reframing it as patriotic and morally righteous.
Trump's appeal lies in backlash against social progress, tapping into sentiments of lost privilege and traditional values.
Deep dives
The Peril of Normalizing Violence in Politics
Donald Trump's sharing of violent imagery depicting Joe Biden as a hostage on Truth Social is alarming due to the normalization of violence in politics. This imagery, showing a scenario where Biden meets a violent end, fuels a dangerous narrative that undermines democratic institutions.
Reeducation Strategy of Modeling Violence and Dictatorships
Donald Trump's pattern of depicting violence and praising dictators serves a reeducation strategy to normalize violence in politics. By repeatedly showcasing violence and elevating dictators as positive models of leadership, Trump attempts to reframe violence as patriotic and morally righteous, leading to a dangerous discourse.
Appeal to a Backlash Against Progress and Modernization
The appeal of figures like Donald Trump to segments of the population stems from a backlash against social progress and modernization. By positioning himself as the protector of those who feel marginalized by advancements in gender and racial equality, Trump taps into sentiments of lost privilege and leads a campaign to return to a more comfortable era of traditional values.
Mass Manipulation of Emotions Using Masculinity and Victimhood
Trump's successful appeal is rooted in adept manipulation of emotions through masculinity and victimhood. By portraying himself as a patriarchal figure and victim simultaneously, Trump fosters a deep emotional connection with his followers. This emotional bond creates a sense of protection and loyalty, as Trump presents himself as the guardian of those who feel threatened by societal change.
Tactics of Autocrats and Their Use of Communication Tools for Bonding with Followers
Autocrats throughout history have employed sophisticated communication tactics to establish direct connections with their followers. From Mussolini using newsreels to Hitler utilizing radio technology and Trump leveraging Twitter, these leaders focus on creating a personality cult to strengthen their influence. By forging personal bonds and appearing relatable yet above others, they aim to establish a unique connection that resonates with their followers for decades.
Resonance with Autocratic Rule, Impact on Governance, and the Role of Media Coverage
Concerns about a potential Trump second term echo fears of an American version of fascism, marked by an authoritarian desire for total control. The emphasis on personal gain over governance poses threats like selling public assets and erasing public-private boundaries. Reflecting on media coverage challenges, the discussion highlights the dual roles of normalized narratives and the need for impactful reporting to navigate these times of political complexity and polarization.
Kara and Scott discuss Meta's stock continuing to rise, California businesses challenging Gov. Gavin Newsom on taxes, and Elon Musk's robotaxi announcement. Then, Disney successfully fended off Nelson Peltz in a proxy battle, but where does the company go from here? Plus, could Congress be getting close to actually passing an online privacy bill? Finally, our friend of Pivot is NYU history professor and author of "Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present," Ruth Ben-Ghiat. Ruth explains what the autocrats of the past can teach us about Donald Trump.
