Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump held a rally in New York City that doubled down on hypernationalism and xenophobic rhetoric. Longtime advisor Stephen Miller declared, “America is for Americans and Americans only,” while Trump promised to implement a massive deportation program on his first day if re-elected. However, it was a stand-up comic who delivered explicitly racist jokes at the rally that caused the most controversy. The comic, Tony Hinchcliffe, made offensive jokes targeting various racialized communities, which sparked outrage on social media. While the Trump team distanced itself from Hinchcliffe’s performance, the incident highlighted the role of divisive humor in Trump’s rise to power.
Trump has often used humor as a tool to consolidate his base around an ideology rooted in social division and dehumanization. By ridiculing opponents and deploying racist comments disguised as humor, Trump aims to persuade voters and gain political power. His ability to build solidarity among those who feel marginalized by societal changes has been a key factor in his appeal. Racist humor has historically been used to normalize white supremacy, and Trump has capitalized on this to garner support among white voters.
The use of humor as a political weapon is not new, but Trump has taken it to new heights by incorporating it into his campaign strategy. By mocking political opponents and targeting marginalized communities, Trump seeks to entertain and unite his supporters while perpetuating harmful stereotypes. This form of dehumanizing humor, once rejected, has now become a central element of Trump’s populist politicking.
In addition to targeting racialized communities, Trump has also used humor to attack women of color, including members of his own party. His derogatory remarks towards opponents like Nikki Haley demonstrate his willingness to resort to misogynistic and racially charged language to discredit his adversaries. By using humor to humiliate and ridicule, Trump aims to solidify his support base and marginalize those he perceives as threats.
Despite the controversial nature of his humor, Trump has managed to evade serious consequences, maintaining his image as a Teflon figure. However, the use of divisive humor as a political strategy may have lasting effects beyond his presidency. The normalization of racist and offensive jokes in public discourse could pave the way for future leaders to exploit humor as a means of wielding power and perpetuating harmful ideologies.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize the impact of humor in shaping public perception and influencing political outcomes. By understanding the ways in which humor can be used to divide and dehumanize, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and empathetic society that rejects the harmful effects of divisive rhetoric. Ultimately, the power of humor lies not only in its ability to entertain, but also in its capacity to shape political discourse and influence social norms.
