Using the functionalism approach, Monica Langley attempt to provide insight on why and how the Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, use attacks as one of his campaign strategies. In this view, Langley looks for the underlying cause of Trump's behavior and the mental processes involved. In her research, he investigates the causes of the Trump's attacking behavior using the objective procedure of interview, predictions and explanations. The fundamental goal of this journal is to analyze behind-the-scenes to determine how Donald Trump personal formulates his attack strategy.
The journal is relevant to the course because it provides applicability of several principles of the psychology in the real life situation. For instance, the main reason behind Donald Trump's attacks is to play around with his opponents' emotional intelligence. Trumps have currently been recognized as the king of the counterpunch where tarnishes his opponents reputations and make himself a "holier than though" (Langley, 2016). For instance, he has a series of counterpunches to his fellow Republican candidates. Langley asserts that he referred to "former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush as ‘low energy,' Ben Carson by mocking the retired neurosurgeon's story that a belt buckle spared a person he tried to stab as a teenager." He also attacked Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in what he called a "profuse sweating." His main agenda behind these attacks is to instill fear in the public and provoke anger to his opponents. He seems to be certain that no one among the American voter would like to vote for a person with a bad reputation. From the psychological perspective, a political leader gains emotional support by identifying the enemy that is perceived as manipulative, undermining, or hostile.
Donald Trump is aware that the American politics is a mixture of emotion and reason, and hence acting intelligently does not mean depending entirely on the rational thinking. People recognize and integrate their feelings to allow them to make a judgement. Therefore, Trump thinks that he has filled the gap in the American politics by saying what people want to hear, and no one wants to say it. For instance, he suggests, "Interestingly, people say that's what everybody's thinking, but nobody wants to say it" (Langley, 2016). This implies that Trump is willing to announce his judgement that is based on the collaboration of his thoughts and feelings. Consequently, he has successively become popular by tapping into concerns and fears that appeal to a substantial minority of people.
The article also reveals how a leader should take everything personally to remain relevant in the game of politics. He raises his self-esteem through viewing any question or disagreement as an insult that needs an immediate humiliation and attack of the opponent. He feels that no one is in a position to tell him what to do, and everything he is doing is right. For instance, he attacked the cable and social media after highlighting his political mistakes. He suggests, "I'm self-funding my campaign; no one can tell me what to say or do" (Langley, 2016). Such personality has allowed Trump to remain on the top of GOP contenders according to the polls.
What are some of the sophisticated psychological strategies used by Donald Trump to inspire public opinion?
The personality attributes highlighted in the article has helped Trump to achieve success in the business world. Are they effective in his campaign?
Is Trump's strategy of avoiding details and giving generalities effective in his leadership campaign?
Does the article substantially predict how Trump is attacking strategy can enough fear to influence American's political and moral judgement?
References
Langley, M. (2016, January 24). Behind Donald Trump’s Attack Strategy - WSJ. Retrieved from http://www.wsj.com/articles/behind-donald-trumps-attack-strategy-1453685141
