Blog #4 Jackson vs Trump
In my history class, I was asked to write an essay on Jackson vs Trump, I am passionate about writing but especially using my voice in situations where people like me would be silenced. The following is my analysis of both President Jackson and Trump.
President Andrew Jackson and Donald Trump have been compared and contrasted; it does not help that Trump pushes a negatively adapted version of Jackson as his inspiration. Trump highlights Jackson's opposing ideals to push the false narrative that they were alike in "greatness." Some will agree that both men are identical in their egotistical and narcissistic views, but others will defend the differences that make each man their own kind of wicked.
While both men shared some commonalities, what sets them apart is worth noting before putting them in the same box.
Beginning with what draws light to their likeliness, Trump and Jackson created cult-like groups that followed their ideals, creating riled mobs that followed their commands. According to Matthew Rozsa, "Like Trump, he (Jackson) created a cult of personality that whipped up his supporters into angry mobs" (Salon). These groups both idealized the men, following behind them with such closeness that it is perceived as cult-like. Regarding media attention, it is no surprise that Trump was at the forefront of every social media platform. Whenever you opened your phone or heard a notification go off, you were met with another headline reading Trump's all caps and bolded name. His face and words were constantly thrown at us; time was measured around Trump's antics and tweets. Jackson and Trump understood the importance of using media to their advantage, Jackson with newspapers and Trump with social media platforms. Mark R. Cheathem writes, "Old Hickory used newspapers to his advantage, and no one can question Trump's belief that his message is best spread via the more modern media platform of Twitter." (OAH)
Here is where we draw the line of difference, patriotism, devotion to the federation of the United States, and even the promotion of their country's bravery. President Jackson spent much time encouraging civility rather than a civil war, while Trump called upon his cult members to ignite a rebellion over a tantrum. Jackson instilled the framework of democracy, while Trump built conspiracy theories around the government, making citizens question the nation's integrity. Americans boast proudly about our military and defense.
We carry our soldiers with pride and come together in times of war to bare our hearts…on our guns.
Beyond pride, it is the action that goes into defending our country. President Jackson was appointed a major general in the Army of the United States and was passionately patriotic. He did not just believe in our country; he was willing to put his life on the line for it. While Trump is known as a "draft dodger," he falsified medical records in order to stay out of the war and has countlessly referred to fallen soldiers as "losers ." Trump is a man who cowers behind his privilege and laughs in the face of those who have died serving their countries. This single thing makes both men incredibly different. A true American and a nepotism baby throwing tantrums and fueling ignorance.
I would not classify Trump as the new Andrew Jackson. I do not believe any president could equate to the turmoil caused by Donald Trump; he is a fascist, egotistical narcissist. His presidency gave people with the same ignorant views the opportunity to feel free and create chaos.
Trump tried to dissolve the foundation of America in the middle of a hissy fit.
Suppose we look at the likeliness they share, their followings, and media use. Jackson was a patriot, if anything, he inspired more people to do the same, to stand for America. Jackson's ideology was anti-corrupt. Trump's was built on hatred, corruption, and greed. Trump is not the new President Andrew Jackson.
My son, Women's March 2020
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI find it extremely brave of you to post an article like this. Others would want you to be silent but I am so proud to see you using your voice for what you stand for and believe in. Seeing how the man who ran our country not to long ago calling our soldiers. Men and women who have served our country for our freedom. Be called loser is astonishing. I do have to agree that many followers of his but not all are very strong willed. That is an amazing thing that they are very strong willed, showing they can get anything done if inspired enough too. However, there is always a down side to that. I am very found of your post. You carried out this assignment very well! Great job!
Bold, this is awesome. I especially love the image at the end. I agree with you on this one, the fact that we oftentimes get patriotism mixed with nationalism is what' really scares me with with some of his dedicated followers. Overall the blog post is good, I had no idea Jackson used the newspaper as much as he did, I'm sure that helped keep him in popular opinion or at least on everyone's mind, which oddly enough helps at the polls. I'm curious what you'd think of one of my blog posts as well that's a little more on the controversial side of things, either way keep up the excellent work.
ReplyDeleteI replied to your blog! Great job and thank you!
DeleteGreat job Isabel, this post was very well written. I, like many others, fell victim to the division Trump sowed amongst the populous. I lost family to the misinformation machine that was created during those years, and it resulted in deaths of people very close to me. Yet, we've made it through and we're hopefully paving a way to a better future now.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this Alexander, you have my deepest condolences. As someone who also felt the consequences of putting Trump in office, I know their are no words to describe the hurt we went through.
DeleteThis post delivers insightful opinions on a topic that is often inflammatory and divisive. You've struck a nice balance here in asserting your position and delivering an interesting comparison between the two.
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