I’m sure you all remember Karen McDougal and Stormy Daniels, who in early 2018 revealed to the world that they had sex with Donald Trump while he was married to Melania. I was especially fascinated by McDougal’s story. A former Playmate of the Year, she allegedly had a 10-month affair with Trump in 2006 and 2007.
A lightbulb for me occurred when I learned how they met. She and some other Playmates were “working” a party at the Playboy Mansion, and our future President was there. Now, Playmates and porn stars are presented as objects of fantasy for many of us–but you and I were never invited to parties at the Playboy Mansion. We could look, but only the rich guys can touch. Like most men, I have seen a few Playboys and watched a little porn, but not a whole lot. However, after this revelation (which I’m sure I knew in the back of my mind, but it had not come forward) I feel cheated and used.
Which is just as well, as sex should never be so transactional or mercenary. I’m sure that one of the things his supporters admire about Donald Trump is his lifestyle. Married to a model while banging playmates and porn stars on the side, luxurious homes and resorts, cheating at business and getting away with it- what’s not to like? If you are an authoritarian follower, morality is for poor people.
Your chosen leaders are exempt. You find it impossible to hold them to the same standards. They are entitled to misbehave, and, as a devoted follower, by association, you may start to feel that same sense of entitlement.
You may even be an incel, who is angry that “Stacy” pays you no mind, as she is with “Chad”, who is richer and better looking than you are. You feel perhaps entitled to be with “Stacy”, but since you can’t, you get mad at all women and decide to Go Your Own Way. However, if you are lucky, you may start to realize that you are more of a Fred, who should be with “Becky”- but then the reflected glory that association with the Great Leader has provided may fade.
May as well vote for Elizabeth Warren in that case!
But “Becky” is a sweet lady who loves you for who are and will be by your side forever if you treat her right. Meanwhile, Chad left Stacy for Jennifer, and they all would have been married and divorced several times before they hit 60- just like your hero Trump. Just for fun, cruise through the biographies on the Internet Movie Database one day and try to find someone who is still married to their first spouse for 20 years or more. It may take a while. The Beautiful People have a lot more trouble finding true and lasting love than do regular folks- and you do realize that you are a regular guy in your saner moments.
Do not aspire to be rich and famous- settle for being happy and virtuous. If that leads to fame and fortune, great- but if it doesn’t, you are still happy. This may require an act of rebellion from all that mass culture promotes- but we all like to think of ourselves as rebels anyway, so why not go all the way?
Oh, and Elizabeth Warren, despite being charismatically challenged, would still make a fine President.
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