American Carnage: Trumpism’s Brutal Public Performances

Trump’s rhetoric about ‘American carnage’ was not simply language; it was indicative of a state of existence he and his supporters seem to yearn for. The former President, his inner circle, and those who have capitalized on his ascendance take apparent delight in public performances of harshness. Brutal imagery underpinned the television-born political career of this president, culminating in his occupation of the White House. Further, such imagery is now being utilized to impose an environment of fear.

Physical aggression and menaces are tools used to dehumanize vulnerable sections of society, primarily people of color, while signaling the potential consequences of opposing the prevalent wealth gaps and similar socio-economic issues. These disturbing scenes contrast sharply with the President’s celebrations of wealthy benefactors, those who have made significant contributions to his events. One gets the sense of a ruler more interested in tributes and ostentation than in genuinely addressing the needs of the disenfranchised.

The White House has often flaunted its relationship with high-profile individuals who have gifted Trump with prized resources, such as Apple CEO Tim Cook and his golden trophy adorned with the company’s logo. Similarly, Vice President JD Vance’s extravagant birthday boat trip – facilitated by a deliberate alteration of a river’s level by the military – highlighted the administration’s seeming indifference to the everyday American, specifically when the celebratory event closely followed a fatal flood in Texas where governmental aid was tardy at best.

The actions of America’s leadership increasingly show a breakaway from the principles of equity and autonomy, principles that are intrinsic to the nation’s foundational documents. An increasingly indifferent leadership seems content to perpetuate the current state of affairs – a country sporting over 800 billionaires while the average hourly wage has only seen a 20% increase over the past three-and-a-half decades, a rate far removed from what is required to afford basic human needs like shelter, nourishment and medical care.

An unfortunate part of the American fabric is the injustice perpetrated against people of color, especially those striving towards better working conditions. The roots of this national issue trace back to our history of building an economy on low-cost or unpaid labor. The persecution and lynching of enslaved and later free Black individuals have served as stark demonstrations of the peril faced by marginalized groups pursuing justice.

Today, this historical legacy manifests in the all-too-common police brutality towards Black communities. The recent escalation of police aggression against protestors in Los Angeles, or ordinary workers offering no resistance, reinforces the harsh reality for many Black Americans. They face scrutiny and punishment for activities that many Americans deem normal, putting focus on the longstanding issue of unregulated capitalism thriving at the cost of those below the poverty line.

In this context, it may seem as though Trump and his supporters are just the latest in a long line of cruel, dismissive leadership in America. Their motivations and actions, while stark, are not entirely unexpected. However, since Trump’s second taking of office, a significant portion of Americans have mobilized in solidarity with those targeted by mistreatment, be it discharged federal employees, women, members of LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants or people of colour victimized by ICE actions.

This peaceful majority has shown formidable resilience and unity in causes they believe in. Whether it’s protesting in the streets, attending immigration courts to take note of those facing detainment, or waving flags of different nations to express solidarity with immigrant families, their response to injustice has been overwhelming and inspiring.

The subsequent retaliation, nevertheless, has been severe, with at least 27 journalists attacked by police forces using supposedly non-lethal crowd-control munitions and tear gas. Numerous protesters have been injured either directly by law enforcement officers or indirectly due to tear gas and so-called ‘non-lethal munitions’. This wave of arrests includes not just demonstrators but also observers and legal monitors striving to track the detainees within the system.

State-sanctioned violence is emerging even in unexpected territories. A recent example was Texas Senate’s ill-timed gerrymandering effort to reshape the state’s electoral maps, thereby minimizing the political influence of minority-heavy districts. This flagrant move was confronted by an inventive civil disarray strategy, with several Texas Democratic representatives fleeing the state to deny a quorum, effectively delaying the vote on the proposed redrawing of the electoral boundaries.

Such tactical escalations from the state raise the specter of democratic corrosion and potential future autocracy. Countering these oppressive maneuvers requires clear, public acknowledgment of the violence that Trump’s supporters are likely to enact against anyone who stands in their way.

While Trump and his followers may sometimes shroud their true intentions, those of us who value American fundamentals such as freedom of speech and assembly must remain vocal and steadfast in our opposition to such insidious threats. Our current societal crossroads demand that we raise our voices in defense of the values we hold dear.

In the end, the question remains: what alternative do we have? Against a backdrop of systemic inequality and escalating hostility, where else can we turn? As we continue to navigate these turbulent times, it’s clear that inaction or complacency simply isn’t an option for those committed to promoting a fairer, more inclusive society.