In the world of politics, it is not uncommon for leaders to make bold statements and promises. However, when a leader openly declares their intention to be an authoritarian, it should be a cause for concern and a topic of discussion among journalists. Unfortunately, this is not the case with the current President of the United States, Donald Trump. Despite his repeated statements and actions that indicate his authoritarian tendencies, the media still fails to grasp the true danger of his presidency.
From the very beginning of his campaign, Trump has made it clear that he intends to be a strong and powerful leader. He has often praised authoritarian leaders and expressed admiration for their methods of governing. He has also made promises to “make America great again” by using his own brand of leadership, which many have interpreted as authoritarianism. Despite these warning signs, the media has largely failed to address the issue and continues to downplay the danger of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.
One of the main reasons for this failure is the media’s obsession with maintaining a sense of balance and neutrality. In an effort to appear unbiased, many journalists have shied away from calling out Trump’s authoritarian behavior. They fear being accused of taking sides and losing their credibility. However, this approach is not only harmful but also irresponsible. By refusing to acknowledge the danger of Trump’s authoritarianism, the media is doing a disservice to the public and failing in their duty to hold those in power accountable.
Another reason for the media’s failure to grasp the danger of Trump is their focus on sensationalism and entertainment. Trump’s outlandish statements and behavior have provided the media with endless material for headlines and news stories. As a result, they have prioritized ratings over responsible journalism. Instead of critically examining Trump’s actions and statements, the media has often resorted to sensationalism, further normalizing his authoritarian tendencies.
Furthermore, the media’s failure to grasp the danger of Trump is also due to their lack of understanding of authoritarianism. Many journalists may not have experienced living under an authoritarian regime and therefore, do not fully comprehend the implications of Trump’s actions. They fail to see the warning signs and the potential consequences of a leader who openly embraces authoritarianism. This lack of understanding leads to a lack of proper coverage and analysis of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies.
It is also worth noting that Trump’s attacks on the media have contributed to the media’s reluctance to address his authoritarianism. By constantly labeling the media as “fake news” and the “enemy of the people,” Trump has created an atmosphere of fear and mistrust. This has made it difficult for journalists to do their job effectively and hold those in power accountable. In a democratic society, a free and independent media is essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy. By attacking the media, Trump is not only undermining their credibility but also threatening the very foundations of democracy.
The media’s failure to grasp the danger of Trump’s authoritarianism is not only a disservice to the public but also a threat to democracy. It is the responsibility of journalists to inform the public and hold those in power accountable. By downplaying or ignoring Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, the media is failing in this duty. It is time for the media to step up and address the issue of Trump’s authoritarianism before it’s too late.
In conclusion, it is clear that the media still doesn’t fully grasp the danger of Trump’s authoritarianism. Their obsession with neutrality, focus on sensationalism, lack of understanding, and fear of attacks from the President have all contributed to this failure. However, it is not too late for the media to change course and fulfill their duty to the public. It is time for journalists to speak out and call out Trump’s authoritarian behavior for what it is. The future of democracy depends on it.
