- Sep 5, 2022
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Alexander Hinton, a Distinguished Professor of Anthropology and Director at the Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University, embarked on an anthropological journey to the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) to gain insights into the unwavering support for Donald Trump among his followers. The conference, which started on February 21, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland, was a spectacle of devotion, featuring a mix of inflammatory speeches and MAGA-themed memorabilia, demonstrating the deep-rooted belief among attendees in Trump's messianic role in American politics.
Through his observations, Hinton discerned a palpable sense of betrayal and disenchantment with the current state of American democracy among Trump supporters, underscored by a series of speakers who fervently criticized the perceived decline under the Biden administration. Amidst this backdrop, Trump's narrative of loss and redemption resonated strongly, with his promises of restoration and vengeance against perceived enemies fueling a fervent anticipation for his re-election.
Hinton highlights the complexity of CPAC's ideological stance, which blends a conservative ethos with a stark vilification of liberal values, casting the political left as the architects of national decay. This worldview is embodied in the conference's focus on themes of religious conservatism, traditionalism, and an aggressive stance on law and order, painting a picture of a movement that sees itself as the last bastion of true American values.
In dissecting the fervor of Trump's base, Hinton reveals a group that views him not only as a political leader but as a savior figure destined to reclaim the nation's lost glory. Despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding Trump's tenure and policies, his supporters attribute to him a near-mythical ability to combat the forces of decline, firmly believing in his pivotal role in America's future.
This article, published by The Conversation and penned by Alexander Hinton, provides a profound examination of the cultural and ideological underpinnings of Trump's enduring appeal among his base, offering a unique anthropological perspective on the dynamics of American political identity and the deep divisions that shape it.
For further reading, visit The Conversation at I went to CPAC as an anthropologist to understand Trump’s base − they believe, more than ever, he is a savior.
Through his observations, Hinton discerned a palpable sense of betrayal and disenchantment with the current state of American democracy among Trump supporters, underscored by a series of speakers who fervently criticized the perceived decline under the Biden administration. Amidst this backdrop, Trump's narrative of loss and redemption resonated strongly, with his promises of restoration and vengeance against perceived enemies fueling a fervent anticipation for his re-election.
Hinton highlights the complexity of CPAC's ideological stance, which blends a conservative ethos with a stark vilification of liberal values, casting the political left as the architects of national decay. This worldview is embodied in the conference's focus on themes of religious conservatism, traditionalism, and an aggressive stance on law and order, painting a picture of a movement that sees itself as the last bastion of true American values.
In dissecting the fervor of Trump's base, Hinton reveals a group that views him not only as a political leader but as a savior figure destined to reclaim the nation's lost glory. Despite the controversies and criticisms surrounding Trump's tenure and policies, his supporters attribute to him a near-mythical ability to combat the forces of decline, firmly believing in his pivotal role in America's future.
This article, published by The Conversation and penned by Alexander Hinton, provides a profound examination of the cultural and ideological underpinnings of Trump's enduring appeal among his base, offering a unique anthropological perspective on the dynamics of American political identity and the deep divisions that shape it.
For further reading, visit The Conversation at I went to CPAC as an anthropologist to understand Trump’s base − they believe, more than ever, he is a savior.
