Information packs a punch. It's a tool that can transform knowledge and, when used right, it empowers individuals and communities alike. Historically, dictators have often kept a tight lid on information, aiming at control over their people.
Donald Trump, despite his vocal support, often doesn't align his actions with his free speech claims. For many in his camp, free speech takes a back seat as their leader's words and deeds come first, no matter what.
Religion's role in Trump's narrative
Religious imagery in politics can sway public opinion in powerful ways. Take, "God Made Trump," a video put together by Dilley Meme Team. An anonymous narrator claims, "God looked down on his planned Paradise and said, 'I need a caretaker.' So God gave us Trump." This paints Trump almost like a religious symbol among his supporters, who proudly wear hats saying, "Jesus Is My Savior, Trump Is My President."
Even though Trump wasn't particularly religious before, he's leaned heavily on religious rhetoric. On election night, he announced, "Many people have told me that God spared my life so I could save our country and restore America."
Robert Jones, from Public Religion Research Institute, places Trump's religious vibes in historical light, likening him with Persia's King Cyrus. In some evangelical minds, Trump resembles Cyrus—a flawed but destined leader with a divine role.
Jones further notes that Trump's followers see him as an "authoritarian liberator," someone beyond legal confines and uniquely able—especially conservative, white Christians—of lifting them from oppression's grasp.
Pushback against DEI efforts
A lot within conservative white Christian circles back Trump's hits on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, viewing them mistakenly as threats. They worry these DEI efforts play a part in a "Great Replacement" fear, leading them toward marginalization.
Under Defense Secretary Pete Hegsetth's eye, over 24,000 DEI articles vanished from Pentagon websites. These weren't just any articles; they featured military milestones, like Jackie Robinson's story, tales from those freeing concentration camps, and maps marking African American gravesites at Arlington Cemetery.
Names with "gay" were scrubbed from Pentagon searches, along with historical pieces tied with it. Even mentions about "Enola Gay," known from WWII, came up missing.
Followers often see these moves as a holy mission, convinced Trump has every right in revisiting historical and founding texts. When Trump sought changes in altering 14th Amendment's citizenship clause, murmurs were minimal.
Trump's leadership style often skirts around constitutional checks, illustrating authoritarian maneuvers aimed at rewriting history and reshaping founding documents.
History's echoes and authoritarian influence
History's taught us how religion sometimes gets twisted by those after power, much like Adolf Hitler did. Though his upbringing was Christian, Hitler's religious appeal masked his rejections, particularly Jesus's divinity.
The "German Christians" in 1930s saw Hitler as a "Führer Jesus," setting their sights on "dejudaizing" Christianity. Under Walter Grundmann, they sought cleansing any Jewish trace from theology, altering "Old" and "New" Testaments in that aim.
The Nazi "German Book Of Faith" even expanded commandments stressing loyalty and "blood purity," with murder and theft's traditional opposition notably missing.
These stories show how religious elements backed authoritarian motives, much like current narratives working against DEI, claiming they're "protecting" majorities from supposed threats.
History teaches us these moves often cloak power grabs as safety measures, using fear against "otherness" as a tool.
Patterns repeat. Stay informed on LGBTQ+ hot topics out there by subscribing our newsletter.
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