• Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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    4 months ago

    This is Great Man Theory. Trump would not be popular if his policies and stances weren’t popular, and there are plenty of replacements.

    • suction@lemmy.world
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      4 months ago

      Yet who is a better fit for that theory than Trump, from the perspective of his fans, at least?

      • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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        4 months ago

        That’s not what Great Man Theory is. Trump is an excellent example of why Great Man Theory is wrong. Great Man Theory just states that history is guided by influential figures, which is wrong. The Material Conditions of society determine what ideas dominate, and thus people appearing to be influential become popular.

          • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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            4 months ago

            What are you trying to do? Legitimately, what is your goal here? To say I don’t know what Great Man Theory actually is?

            • suction@lemmy.world
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              4 months ago

              You’re arguing whether the GM theory is right or wrong, I’m saying to Trump supporters, it doesn’t matter, he’s their “Great Man”, they’ve fallen for the idea that a Great Man will fix all their problems. Because they are stupid and believe in false ideals. That’s why I’m getting the impression you’re trying to show off how much you know instead of engaging with the actual topic. Do you need a pat on the back?

              • Cowbee [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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                4 months ago

                You’re arguing whether the GM theory is right or wrong

                Not quite. I know it’s wrong, my argument is that your analysis of Trump is wrong because it assumes Great Man Theory is correct, ie Trump’s views will die with him and there couldn’t be a successor.

                I’m saying to Trump supporters, it doesn’t matter, he’s their “Great Man”, they’ve fallen for the idea that a Great Man will fix all their problems. Because they are stupid and believe in false ideals.

                This isn’t Great Man Theory on the part of Trump Supporters. Trump Supporters hold fascist views because of their material conditions, not because Trump convinced them to.

                That’s why I’m getting the impression you’re trying to show off how much you know instead of engaging with the actual topic. Do you need a pat on the back?

                No, I genuinely was making a point, attacking it for having an understood meaning undermines your position.