In my contemporary thriller, Election 2016, I posit that Donald Trump can be categorized as a Benevolent King personality type. Along side other notables such as the emperor Napoleon and his rival tzar Alexander (p. 7)
“… whose behaviors and emotions are tangled up with his subjects. He feels their pain, or is it his?”
Furthermore, now in 2024, this is augmented by his two powerful “lieutenants” sitting on each side of his throne: Vice President J.D. Vance and rich man Elon Musk.
We need the Benevolent King and his leadership because our survival depends upon quick and decisive decision making.
Let’s get into it.
The American Dream
is represented by these three men. Which explains why so many voters are compelled to endorse and support them, despite being flawed in other ways.
First, I have to define The American Dream. It is, in my view, the opportunity and ability to exceed one’s family heritage. No matter where one ‘s station in life begins. Additionally, to then be able to pass that on to one’s own heirs. In other words, to do better than your old man and to give that opportunity to your own son(s).
Donald Trump
was born into a wealthy family with a tough, humorless father, who made his fortune in outer-borough New York real estate housing construction. Donald, unlike his older brother who succumbed to alcoholism, survived. Not only that, but against his father’s counsel, took the business into Manhattan and thrived.
J.D. Vance’s
story is documented in his memoir, Hillbilly Elegy (2016). Briefly, Vance was born into a poor family in rural Kentucky with a drug addicted mother and a father who abandoned him. And yet, now he is the Vice President of the United States. One-hundred percent most everyone’s definition of the American Dream.
Elon Musk
like Trump, was born into a wealthy family. However, he was viciously bullied in school and derided by his mean, abusive father. He, like Trump, survived and immigrated to America from South Africa. Now, he is reported to be the wealthiest man on the planet.
In Conclusion
this is not a crazy story. These are not crazy men. They are men that epitomize The American Dream. If you take issue with that, as many millions do, I suggest you take a look in the mirror.
As I’ve written of before, I think most human behavior is unconsciously motivated. Moreover, due to fundamental self-preservation, these motivations are hidden. Furthermore, to expose them can be dangerous to one’s self image.
WE are at the same time individuals and part of a social group. Because both facets of the self are necessary to survive. The group needs individuals, or variety (diversity, if you will) to ensure it can meet any changes that come its way. The individual needs the safety, security, protection and the power of numbers to overcome threats and hazards. Additionally, the group needs leadership.
Leadership
is necessary for quick and decisive decision making. Sometimes survival demands action without time for a vote. The leader must be both tested and trusted.
What we have in the Benevolent King is such a man. What we have in Donald Trump, and his lieutenants, are men tested by fire.
To fight against them is, well, questionable. I can see why Trump thinks such voters hate America.
The American Dream is a generational concept. (Fred Trump – Donald Trump – Barron Trump)
What is your perspective of the American Dream? And is it alive, thriving, on life support, or dead? Let me know in the comments below.
Elon Musk’s father just had a brief conversation with Chris Cuomo – it’s fascinating. Dad takes credit for Elon’s rise to American power by Trump’s side.
I wonder about a female version/perspective of the American Dream. I’m struggling to find three generational examples.
You have just given hope to every single person who was raised in an abusive household, was bullied at school, and was told that they’d never amount to anything. Three shining examples of the need to keep your head held high, pull yourself off the ground, and never forget…YOU are your own destiny! Great piece (as usual).
Thanks Rich. However. I didn’t do it, they did. If I could do something it would be this: Take a high school or college English or History class; and ask them to write an essay regarding their perception of “The American Dream.” Then I take that data and analyze it. See where we’re at with the concept.
I wonder if the idea/concept even exists with the latest generations?
The American Dream is not quite dead, but it is certainly on life support. I’m sure the second Trump Admin will finish it off. That seems to be the goal. Will his cult members notice? Will average uninformed Americans? Probably not.
Thanks for reading and your comment, Bill. You’re a teacher, right? You could do my experiment for me 🙂 . It would have to be an in-class pop quiz – no phones, google, AI help.
See what Gen Z’s perspective on The American Dream is. Thanks, again.