As someone who enjoys watching investigative documentaries about cults, I’ve come to recognize some common patterns that define fanatical leaders. Typically, the leader (often a white male) is never questioned about his grandiose beliefs. If you challenge his abusive behavior, you are labeled an enemy. By the time you realize you are entrenched in a cult, the manipulative tactics employed will make it nearly impossible to escape.
Over the last four years, I’ve witnessed our nation endure the chaotic reign of Donald J. Trump, who has assumed a role that resembles that of a cult leader. He rallies his most devoted supporters to chant his baseless claims, donate money under the illusion it will help him combat imaginary “voter fraud,” and fervently defend him regardless of his actions.
The striking resemblance between loyal Trump supporters and cult followers is alarming. Some psychologists have suggested that Trump thrives in this unsettling style of leadership. Rather than promoting unconventional religious beliefs or quirky self-help principles, he has echoed the sentiments of dictators like Hitler, using divisive language, inciting violence, and pursuing polarizing policies. He draws in his followers by vocalizing sentiments many harbor but hesitate to express. His public endorsements of racism, bigotry, and misogyny are alarming.
If you cast your vote for Donald Trump, you have made a choice that aligns you with this troubling ideology. The reality is disheartening, especially since these views—white supremacy and patriarchy—have existed for generations. Trump merely amplifies them through the loudest, most grotesque mirror possible: himself. For some reason, many of you continue to gaze into that mirror and see only him staring back.
Your support for Trump, whether muted or fervent, reflects your complacency and complicity. A staggering 72,741,954 Americans voted for a narcissistic and gaslighting individual this year. The rest of us are all too aware of your choice. You were presented with a chance to vote out a corrupt leader, yet you chose not to. By doing so, you sent a clear message: you either openly display your disdain for marginalized communities, or you conveniently hide it, benefiting from policies that serve you alone.
Worse yet, you may have voted for Trump based on a few policies that exclusively benefit you while willfully ignoring his extensive list of human rights violations.
If you’re reading this as someone who supported our flawed president, you might not realize that you are contributing to the damage inflicted on our country. You see the bigots and racists who champion Trump’s agenda, and you struggle to accept any association with them. But here’s the difference: I recognized an opportunity to act against the harmful influence of Donald Trump, whereas you did not. I understood that my vote was a stand against the legitimization of division and hostility, while you did not.
Whether you are a MAGA enthusiast or someone who believes in prioritizing policies over character, you share responsibility for perpetuating hate and inequality. You are complicit when you downplay the inhumane treatment of children separated from their families or the ban on Muslims and Syrian refugees. You are accountable when you ignore the restrictions placed on transgender individuals serving in the military. And you are definitely culpable when you remain silent while hate crimes against Asian-Americans escalate amid a pandemic.
None of these atrocities can be justified. And being indifferent to a leader who commits them is equally unacceptable.
As a queer and bisexual parent, I’ve shared my concerns about Trump’s policies with loved ones who still voted for him despite the evidence. They are rational, intelligent people whom I care about deeply, yet they ignored the reality of the situation.
FBI Director Christopher Wray confirmed that white supremacists pose a significant national threat, meaning that over 72 million Americans have shown support for a group that embodies domestic terrorism. A vote for Donald Trump only serves to uphold these abhorrent ideologies.
Dr. Robert Jay Lifton, a respected psychohistorian, has noted that while not all Trump supporters are white supremacists, many are drawn to his leadership for various reasons, including its cult-like qualities.
Regardless of your intentions, you are tied to this troubling narrative of hate and division. And the harsh truth is that Trump does not care about you. He cares only for his own interests.
So, I urge you with all the compassion I can muster: it’s time to accept the reality of a Biden presidency. Stop supporting a man who uses your contributions to settle his debts. Turn off Fox News for a moment and open your mind to other perspectives. And yes, please consider stepping away from platforms like Parler that promote divisive ideologies.
Once you free up your time, begin examining your biases and your complicity in allowing bigotry to thrive. Reflect on how you can maintain relationships with those who are not white and straight while having voted against their rights.
The Biden-voting community needs you to confront this uncomfortable truth before making excuses for why Trump is a refreshing alternative to typical politicians. He is simply another politician who has exploited his position for personal gain while spreading countless lies.
And please don’t expect us all to join in a harmonious gathering to celebrate our differences; many of us are still processing the implications of your vote on our rights and safety. We ask that you confront your choices and think critically about the consequences.
Because when it comes to human rights, there is no room for debate. They are fundamental and will always remain so, no matter what a would-be cult leader like Trump may claim.
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Summary:
This article critiques the support for Donald Trump, drawing parallels between his leadership style and that of a cult leader. It highlights the moral implications of voting for someone associated with hate and divisiveness and emphasizes the need for self-reflection among Trump supporters. It urges readers to confront their biases and understand the consequences of their political choices, especially concerning marginalized communities.