In 100 days, Trump manipulates common sense to legitimize extremism
Yes, the use of “common sense” as a justification for action can be violent and authoritarian if manipulated by political, religious and social leaders.
Riding the excuse of “common sense”, Trump dismantled diversity programs, settled in decades on identity and gender issues, dismissed thousands of public servants who took care of fundamental policies for the US and the world’s population, disarticulated measures to combat climate change, expelled migrants violently, established a stupid tariff war with other countries, ran into Russia that invaded Russia. Ukraine and even started a crusade by the end of the paper straws. All in 100 days.
Trump surfs this speech for a long time. Stating that his opponents are not aligned with the common sense of America’s values, the president manipulates. For it is he who chooses what values the people should follow and hide others, such as respect for civil rights and reception to foreigners – which are an important part of US history.
But for a multitude of Americans frightened by the loss of jobs to the outskirts of the world and changes in customs and behaviors that invade their own home without explaining why the past no longer serves, embracing those who extol “intuitive wisdom” is a safety float.
By using “common sense” as a discursive shortcut, suggesting that their positions are undeniable and shared by most citizens, Trump deliberately ignores the complexity of political issues. When he states that anyone with common sense would support Greenland’s annexation or the resumption of the Panama Canal, he is transforming particular political opinions into self -eating truths.
“Common sense”, however, is not an objective concept – it varies according to cultural values, personal experiences and historical contexts. In summoning this notion, Trump does not debate, imposes. Its opponents, consequently, are placed in the position of “irrational” or “disconnected elitists of the people”.
