by Elayne Savage, PhD
Pixabay
About 8 years ago I wrote how descriptions of cults and cult leaders seemed to capture how so many folks were attracted to the promises of Donald J. Trump.
Does 'The Art of the Deal' Mean Selling Your Soul?
https://www.tipsfromthequeenofrejection.com/2016/07/does-the-art-of-the-deal-mean-selling-your-soul.html
The image that keeps popping into my head is of the children of Hamelin, Germany being lured out of their homes by the charm and false promises of the Pied Piper, following him into a cave — never to be seen again.
In another blog I felt the need to tell the story of Jim Jones and how 900 of his followers were lured to Guyana and were coerced to drink a fruit drink laced with cyanide. As a Child Protective Social Worker in San Francisco, I knew several folks connected with the Peoples Temple — they all died there.
Haunted By a Panicky Phone Call From a Peoples Temple Member
https://www.tipsfromthequeenofrejection.com/2018/11/haunted-by-a-panicky-phone-call-from-a-peoples-temple-member.html
I have described how various cult experts have recognized cult leader characteristics in Donald Trump.
https://www.tipsfromthequeenofrejection.com/2022/07/trumpism-cultism-populism-revisited-.html
And I’m noticing how the comparisons are again popping up in print and blogs and podcasts and by lots of TV guests.
So of course I have a renewed hankering to write about how these observations of Donald J. Trump and his followers appear to reflect the characteristics of cults and cult leaders.
And I just cannot get the image of the children of Hamelin out of my head.
Cult Leader Characteristics
Joe Navarro, a 25-year veteran of the FBI and author of Dangerous Personalities lists 50 cult leader characteristics. Here are a few characteristics of cult group leaders, which stand out for me as especially Donald J. Trump-ish:
– He has a grandiose idea of who he is and what he can achieve.
– Has a sense of entitlement - expecting to be treated special at all times.
– Has an exaggerated sense of power (entitlement) that allows him to bend rules and break laws.
– Publicly devalues others as being inferior, incapable, or not worthy.
– Haughtiness, grandiosity, and the need to be controlling is part of his personality.
– Anyone who criticizes or questions him is called an “enemy.”
– Habitually puts down others as inferior and only he is superior.
– Is deeply offended when there are perceived signs of boredom, being ignored or of being slighted.
– Treats others with contempt and arrogance.
– The word “I” dominates his conversations. He is oblivious to how often he references himself.
– Hates to be embarrassed or fail publicly - when he does he acts out with rage.
– Believes he possesses the answers and solutions to world problems.
– Seems to be highly dependent of tribute and adoration and will often fish for compliments.
– Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance.
– Requires excessive admiration from followers and outsiders.
– Is arrogant and haughty in his behavior or attitude
– Has an exaggerated sense of power (entitlement) that allows him to bend rules and break laws.
– Is frequently boastful of accomplishments.
– Behaves as though people are objects to be used, manipulated or exploited for personal gain.
– Acts imperious at times, not wishing to know what others think or desire.
Believes himself to be omnipotent.
– Doesn’t seem to feel guilty for anything he has done wrong nor does he apologize for his actions.
– "Rigid," "unbending," or "insensitive" describes how this person thinks.
– Sees self as “unstoppable” and perhaps has even said so. – Doesn’t think there is anything wrong with himself and in fact sees himself as perfection or “blessed.”
– Doesn’t think there is anything wrong with himself and in fact sees himself as perfection or “blessed.”
Here’s the link to Navarro’s list of all 50 cult leader characteristics:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/spycatcher/201208/dangerous-cult-leaders
"I Alone Can Fix It"
Bill Moyers has observed how Donald Trumps message has been “I alone can fix it.”
“Only he can save us. He alone has the potion. He alone can call out the incantation. He alone can cast out the demons. It’s a little bit Mussolini. A little bit Berlusconi. A little bit George Wallace. And a lot of Napoleon in a trucker’s hat.”
"I am not an ordinary man," Bonaparte once said. "I am an extraordinary man and ordinary rules do not apply to me."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-moyers/donald-trumps-dark-and-sc_b_11144940.html
(Note: A book with this terrific title by Phil Rucker and Carol Leonnig appeared in 2021 – I Alone Can Fix It: Donald J. Trump's Catastrophic Final Year )
Trumpism/Cultism/Populism Revisited
https://www.tipsfromthequeenofrejection.com/2022/07/trumpism-cultism-populism-revisited-.html
As many of you know I tend to see the world through the lens of rejection and it's quite amazing to me how many of these attributes seem to be reactions to feeling rejected and taking things personally.
I would really appreciate your comments and ideas . . .
Until next month,
Elayne
Elayne Savage is the author of ground-breaking relationship books published in 9 languages. Both books are now available on Kindle!
To order DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY! THE ART OF DEALING WITH REJECTION from Amazon:
amzn.to/2bEGDqu
To order BREATHING ROOM – CREATING SPACE TO BE A COUPLE from Amazon:
amzn.to/2bAHmIL
REPRINTING THESE BLOGS:
You can reprint any blog from 'Tips from The Queen of Rejection'® as long as you include an attribution and, whenever possible, a live link to my website. And I'd really appreciate if you'd notify me where and when the material will appear. The attribution should include this information: Elayne Savage, PhD is a communication coach, keynote speaker, and trainer, practicing psychotherapist and author of Don't Take It Personally! The Art of Dealing with Rejection and Breathing Room - Creating Space to Be a Couple.
To find out more about my speaking programs, coaching and consultation services visit www.QueenofRejection.com or call 510-540-6230 if you or your group can benefit.
Contacting Elayne: I welcome your feedback as well as suggestions for topics you'd like to see addressed in this e-letter. Here's how you can reach me:
510-540-6230
www.QueenofRejection.com
[email protected]
For more communication and rejection tips, you can follow me:
Twitter@ElayneSavage
Recent Comments