Can a Sadomasochist Support Trump?
Is it possible for someone who identifies as a sadomasochist to support President Trump? The answer is unequivocally yes. It is important to understand that supporting the President should not be considered a defining characteristic of one's personality, especially not based on sexual preferences.
How Can We Identify a Sadomasochist?
Identifying a sadomasochist is not straightforward. Many individuals do not publicly acknowledge this part of their persona. Unlike other identities, submissiveness or dominant behavior is not typically advertised on soapboxes or bumper stickers. It's akin to knowing the political leanings of every neighbor simply by observing their yard signs. If a house on the street displays a "Trump/Pence 2020" sign, one cannot presume anything about the resident's sexual preferences or relationship dynamics.
The Psychology Behind Supporting Trump
Most individuals support candidates based on tangible benefits, improvements in their lives, and financial stability. For many Trump supporters, the improvement in their lives since 2016 may be a significant factor. Aggressive or antisocial personality traits, which certainly align with some statements made by Trump, could also contribute to this support.
Psychological Appeal of Trump
Trump appeals to an individual's need for a powerful figure to assert authority and control. For some, this is a vicarious form of pleasure. Those who are submissive might enjoy having someone else deal with perceived threats, such as immigrants or immigrant children, and thereby permit them to engage in their own petty cruelties.
Implications for Sadomasochists
"Of course! Everyone is doing it!" This rallying cry captures a segment of Trump's base. For submissive individuals, the cruel actions of a dominant figure like Trump can offer a form of psychological reward. They derive pleasure from the fear and suffering of those deemed inferior. Trump, in his role as the "sADist in chief," provides a clear and unambiguous direction for their submissive urges.
Negative Implications For Sadomasochists
Not all is rosy, though. "Of course! Who hands out abuse better than Trump?" This statement highlights the darker side of supporting Trump. While some masochists may derive pleasure from the pain experienced by the leader of the free world, others might feel hurt and complicit in their own suffering.
Characteristics of Trump Supporters
Trump supporters are not a homogeneous group. They may include a wide range of individuals: narcissists, psychopaths, murderers, and racial hate mongers. These people might support Trump for various reasons, but it is clear that sadomasochism plays a significant role in their behavior. They may either want to inflict Trump on the nation to cause widespread suffering or find his hurtful actions pleasurable.
Conclusion
Supporting President Trump does not inherently define an individual's sadomasochistic tendencies. However, it is undeniable that sadomasochism can serve as a catalyst in the psychology of many of his supporters. Whether driven by a lust for power or a masochistic enjoyment of pain, these traits highlight the diverse and often dark motivations behind political allegiance.