Slavoj Žižek: How Political Correctness Actually Elected Donald Trump | Big Think

TL;DR

The United States is at a pivotal moment where the traditional machinery of manufacturing consent has broken down, leading to the rise of Trump. While he is a vulgar and disgraceful figure, Trump's destruction of the Republican Party highlights the failure of the liberal establishment.

Transcript

I know that even in the United States when you have someone like Donald Trump, I know that there is a lot of elitist liberal reaction. Like here we see the limit of democracy but in the wrong sense, in the sense that you see stupid ordinary people are seduced and so on and so on. Well, although Noam Chomsky doesn't like me very much, I admire him s... Read More

Key Insights

• 😮 The rise of Trump highlights the failure of the liberal establishment in addressing the needs and concerns of the public.
• ❓ Trump's vulgarity resonates with a common baseness and opportunism in society.
• 🥺 Hillary Clinton's establishment and Cold War support may lead to dangerous foreign policy decisions.
• 🤗 Political correctness can be a double-edged sword, both protecting marginalized groups and limiting open debate.
• 🥹 Public figures should be held accountable and publicly criticized for their actions and policies, regardless of political correctness.
• ✊ Politics is a struggle for power and should not be reduced to narcissistic concerns for personal feelings.
• 🦡 The breakdown of the machinery of manufacturing consent creates an opportunity for significant change, whether for the worse or for the better.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the breakdown of the machinery of manufacturing consent?

The breakdown of this machinery signifies a loss of control and influence by the ruling ideology to shape public consensus and maintain social order. It creates an opportunity for direct fascism or a new left to emerge.

Q: Why should leftists admire Trump?

While Trump is far from an ideal figure, his ability to challenge and disrupt the Republican Party, particularly the Christian fundamentalists and the liberal elite, highlights their weaknesses and failures.

Q: How does Hillary Clinton represent the establishment and the Cold War mindset?

Clinton's support from the liberal and Cold War establishment, including figures from the Bush administration, suggests that she represents the continuation of a certain political and ideological system that may perpetuate global conflicts.

Q: What is the danger of political correctness?

Political correctness can be seen as an attempt to legislate public language and behavior when traditional norms and manners break down. However, it may also limit free speech and prevent the public from openly addressing important issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The United States is experiencing a breakdown of the traditional machinery of manufacturing consent, leading to the rise of Trump.

• Trump, despite being a vulgar figure, has effectively destroyed the Republican Party.

• The obsession with stopping Trump has allowed Hillary Clinton, who represents the establishment and Cold War mindset, to gain power.