In the world of politics, more attention means more brand recognition that directly relates to higher approval rating. Therefore, politicians want their names out on as many media platforms as possible. # matters to them, catchy slogan matters to them, and even their parody video matters to them. They are the species that require attention from the public to survive.
Often times, that attention does not have to come from positive quotes or deeds. Provocative words are very sufficient to attract people`s mind. And Trump understands this the most. He intentionally puts provoking words in his speech to get more attention from the media (It`s ironic how he says media are"disgusting and dishonest" while he knows how to use them the best.)
In the rally I attended today, Trump argued that "we can't keep allowing China to rape our country." And this happened.
Whatever the context his controversial words are used, he and "his people" know exactly what specific words to be included and emphasized in his speech to create issues and draw more attention. And, people fall into his trick so easily. He understands the nature of media well enough he abuses it in order to get what he wants.
Neil Postman argues that "Entertainment is the supra-ideology of all discourse on TV -- the overarching presumption is that it is there for our amusement and pleasure."
The problem is not Donald Trump, he just knows how to play with the system. This "Trump" phenomenon was ultimately inevitable. The problem is the medium itself that "pollutes public communication and its surrounding landscape."
Donald Trump does not deserve or expect serious political discourse or dedicated comprehension from his audience. What his performance expects and deserves is a comfy chair with spicy boneless wing and medium mountain dew.
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