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WotD: Cult of personality
Cult of personality refers to a phenomenon in which a public figure, typically a political leader, cultivates an extremely devoted and loyal following.
This devotion often borders on worship, portraying the leader as infallible and larger than life.
Think North Korea.
A cult of personality can be established through various means, including propaganda, manipulation of media, and the suppression of opposing viewpoints.
After reading that, do any Americans come to mind?
One of the key characteristics of a cult of personality is the creation of an idealized and glorified image of the leader.
This image is carefully crafted and promoted through various channels, such as state-controlled media, public events, and official propaganda.
The leader is often portrayed as a saviour or a hero, with exaggerated or even fabricated accomplishments.
This manipulation of media is a crucial aspect of a cult of personality, often going unnoticed by the public.
Dissent and criticism are often not tolerated in a cult of personality.
The leader is shielded from negative press or public opinion, and any opposition is swiftly discredited or suppressed.
The leader’s supporters are encouraged to see them as the only source of truth and guidance, creating a sense of unquestioning loyalty and obedience.
However, Donald Trump knows the value of negative publicity.
You see, just like P.T. Barnum, he understands there is no such thing as bad publicity.
The cult of personality is further reinforced by promoting a leader’s personal attributes, virtues, and charisma.
No one can deny that Trump has charisma in spades.
Trump depicts himself as a visionary, possessing exceptional wisdom and strength to evoke strong emotions and inspire unwavering devotion among his followers.
By fostering an environment of admiration and adoration, Trump effectively controls public opinion, allowing him to do and say anything with minimal resistance from his cult of personality membership.
Beware the cult of personality.
Flesch-Kincaid Readability Test
This post is likely to be understood by a reader who has at least some college education, but it may not be easy to read.
On the Flesch-Kincaid reading-ease test, this post scores 38.
The easier a passage is to read, the higher the score on a scale of 0 – 100.