Entertainment and Politics: Has Trump Made Politics Look Like an Entertainment Show?

The evolution of politics has mirrored the transition in entertainment, as evidenced by the rise of figures like Donald Trump. This article explores whether modern politics has become more akin to the entertainment industry, examines the role of entertainers in politics, and why they are increasingly preferred over professional politicians.

Entropy in Politics and Entertainment

The primary dynamic shaping modern political discourse is the increasing reliance on entertainment-driven narratives and the influence of figures like Trump. As the entertainment industry has grown, particularly in the era of reality television and celebrity culture, politics has seen a similar shift. This shift is not just superficial but deeply rooted in the values and behaviors of society.

Previously, sports fans exhibited more measured and civil behavior, with conflicts being rare and confined to specific instances such as bench-clearing brawls. Now, these behaviors have become more common, reflecting a broader change in fan behavior that has parallels in political discourse. In this new environment, critical thinking is giving way to a form of political fandom driven by bias and a preference for individuals who evoke strong emotions or excitement.

The Role of Entertainers in Politics

Entertainers have started to shape the political landscape, thanks to their popularity and the emotional impact they can have on followers. This phenomenon can be traced back to political activist groups that encourage people to vote based on their race or other identities. This approach transforms politics into a form of spectatorship, where fans support their "teams" rather than engaging in rational discourse.

One significant shift is the transition from traditional intelligent discourse on key issues to a form of political communication that mixes ignorance with pretense. Figures like Trump often engage in high drama, name-calling, threats of violence, and spreading lies or exaggerations. This kind of behavior is not only entertaining but also aligns with the desires of those who are too lazy or unintelligent to engage in real political dialogue.

The Decline of Critical Thinking and Rise of Fandom

The current political climate is characterized by a decline in the value of critical thinking. Instead of engaging with substantive issues, many people prefer to discuss who said what and engage in gossip rather than discussing the truth and facts. This shift is not new; it mirrors historical patterns of governance where ignorance has been a destructive force. In many ways, we are currently witnessing a repetition of this destructive pattern.

Political crises, such as the poisoning of the Skripal family with Novichok, provide a stark example of this dynamic. When confronted with evidence of wrongdoing, the response is often denial and blaming the opponent for the same actions. In the absence of thorough investigation and evidence, people are more likely to hold onto their biases and preconceptions. The popularity of entertainers often leads to a preference for candidates who are charismatic and relatable, even when they lack political experience or substantive knowledge.

Conclusion

The modern political landscape has been significantly influenced by the entertainment industry, particularly through the rise of figures like Donald Trump. This has led to a decline in the use of intelligent discourse and an increase in emotional-driven politics. As fans of entertainment shows and sports fans, people are drawn to charismatic and relatable figures rather than those who engage in the more tedious work of political discourse and evidence-based policy-making.

Understanding this dynamic is crucial for anyone interested in the future of democracy. The challenge lies in fostering a political environment where critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making are valued over entertainment and bias. Only through such efforts can we ensure that our political system reflects the values and desires of the electorate rather than merely entertaining them.