Donald trump has been compared to Hitler, Stalin and Mussolini quite a few times and not for good reasons of course. while reading “Trump: The Man, the Meme” by author Ian Crouch, he mentions in his article that “When people are debating whether you’re more like Hitler or Mussolini, you are certainly on to something, though that something is not what a normal American political candidate would ever desire.” The article mentions how on twitter memes of Donald Trump are becoming popular and trending. One person went far enough as to putting up posters of Trump on a swastika. Another important thing that Ian Crouch mentions is that “…outrageousness of Trump’s political statements, and to sound an alarm about the dangers that his candidacy might pose to the country. Perhaps if enough people share these memes, the thinking goes, it will act like a social-media version of Sinclair Lewis’s “It Can’t Happen Here,” and wake others up to the threat of creeping Fascism.” People are using social media as a source to reach out to a group of audience and inform them. Donald Trump is not the first presidential candidate to be compared with Hitler for example. Other candidates such as George W. bush have also been compared to Hitler as well as Hillary Clinton. Over all the moral of the story is that by using social media people can engage and inform others of issues. In this Case a lot of people are scared that Trump will become like Hitler or Mussolini and basically walk in their footsteps. Therefore, there are a lot of people coming out with memes to really catch the attention of people and get them to really notice the issue and see the bigger picture.
Well, I do agree that memes catch people's attention and spread a message very fast. Although the meme above comparing Hitler and Trump might be taking it a little too far. I am totally not supporting Trump but I kind of understand why he is like this, You have to consider everything that is going on in the world at the moment. The difference between them is that Hitler hated Jews so he got rid of all of them, but Trump on the other hand is trying to avoid another terrorist attack. I do agree though, that his methods are extreme and I pray that he does not win. He should stick with hotels and entertainment, It would be a mess, having such a judgmental person running a very diverse country.
ReplyDeleteHopefully those memes get to people! Those memes help bring awareness to the similarities, but it feels as if people don't take it seriously at times. They'll look at it as a funny meme. It's pretty terrifying how similar Trump and Hitler can be. Maybe if the memes are taken more seriously, it'll make a positive change. Overall I really enjoyed reading your post!
ReplyDeleteIt's almost like "the boy who cried wolf" I feel; Over the years since World War 2, countless people have been compared to Hitler.
ReplyDeleteI, myself, am guilty of using the term to describe my mother back during my rebellious years as a teenager (terrible, I know. She's really quite a lovely lady).
I feel like all of this misuse of the comparison has taken the power away from these memes. It is truly staggering, the similarities between Trump and Hitler. Unfortunately, I think that point doesn't come across as much as it should, due to that power being taken away.
Even if he does win, look on the bright side... there's 3 branches of government.
That's sort of a bright side... right?
Many people will look at a meme and automatically assume everything is true, I feel as if many misuse memes. At best Trump is just a shrewd businessman, at worst he's a ridiculous proposition for a free world leader. But if American voters disagree and put faith and their vote into him, we must respect that. Voters will make their choice and I'm confident they'll make the right one. But they should do so without the fear of thinking they are supporting another genocide.
ReplyDeleteThis post is a testament that images can be compelling, and so can memes. I agree with Hadi that for some naive readers, they might accept a meme at face value and not dig any deeper (credentialing data, considering bias, etc.). I'd like to see you expand on the summary here and show your digging ability!
ReplyDelete