The Hollowed Core

How the Erosion of Tradition and the Rise of the Self Paved the Way for Trump

The political landscape in recent years has been dominated by figures who shatter norms and defy conventional wisdom. Perhaps no figure embodies this more starkly than Donald Trump. While attributing his rise to any single factor is reductive, a compelling argument can be made that a confluence of societal shifts – the waning influence of formal religion, the surge of hedonism and narcissistic self-obsession fuelled by social media, and the polarisation exacerbated by extreme leftist “cancel culture” – has inadvertently created the very conditions ripe for a figure like Trump and his brand of extreme right-wing politics.

Firstly, the decline of formal religion in many Western societies has left a void. Historically, religion provided a shared moral framework, a sense of community, and a narrative beyond the individual. While secularisation is not inherently negative, its rapid progression has left some searching for meaning and belonging in a world that feels increasingly atomised. This void can be exploited by those offering simplistic solutions and a strong sense of in-group belonging, often rooted in nationalism and cultural grievance – hallmarks of Trumpism. Without the anchoring principles often provided by religious institutions, societal discourse can become more fragmented and vulnerable to emotional appeals over reasoned debate.

Secondly, the rise of hedonism and self-obsessed narcissism, amplified by the echo chamber of social media, has fostered a culture of instant gratification and performative individualism. Social media platforms, designed for self-promotion and validation seeking, inherently incentivise narcissistic tendencies. The constant pursuit of likes and followers creates a distorted sense of self-importance and diminishes empathy for others. This inward focus bleeds into the political sphere, where complex societal problems are reduced to personal grievances and performative outrage. Trump, a master of self-promotion and spectacle, tapped directly into this vein. His brash pronouncements, disregard for nuanced policy, and constant self-aggrandisement resonated with a public increasingly accustomed to superficiality and instant gratification. His appeal, arguably, wasn’t despite his narcissistic tendencies, but because of them, reflecting a society that had inadvertently begun to value them.

Furthermore, the rise of extreme leftist “cancel culture,” while often intended to promote social justice and accountability, has paradoxically contributed to the very environment it seeks to combat. In its most extreme form, cancel culture can be perceived as intolerant, authoritarian, and lacking in nuance. It creates an atmosphere of fear and self-censorship, pushing those with dissenting opinions, even if legitimate, to the fringes. This perceived intolerance, often amplified online, can generate a backlash, driving individuals towards counter-movements and figures who promise to stand against what they perceive as oppressive leftist orthodoxy. Trump positioned himself as the ultimate anti-establishment rebel, railing against “political correctness” and “wokeness,” effectively capitalising on the resentment and fear generated, in part, by the excesses of cancel culture.

It’s crucial to understand that this is not to equate the negative aspects of extreme leftist cancel culture with the harmful policies of the extreme right. Nor is it to suggest that religious faith is the sole guarantor of morality. Instead, it’s to argue that these seemingly disparate societal shifts have created a perfect storm of conditions that made the rise of a figure like Trump more likely. The erosion of traditional institutions, the elevation of the self above community, and the polarisation of discourse have weakened the societal immune system against demagoguery and simplistic, divisive ideologies.

Trump’s rise is arguably a symptom of a deeper societal malaise. He exploited the anxieties and frustrations born from a rapidly changing world where traditional anchors have loosened, and individualistic tendencies have been amplified. His policies, often characterised by nationalism, xenophobia, and disregard for established norms, are not anomalies, but rather reflections of the fragmented and self-absorbed society that, in part, facilitated his ascent.

Moving forward, simply condemning Trump and his followers is insufficient. A deeper societal introspection is needed. We must confront the unintended consequences of our increasingly secular, individualistic, and polarised world. Rebuilding a sense of shared purpose, fostering genuine community beyond online echo chambers, and promoting nuanced, respectful dialogue are crucial steps in inoculating ourselves against future iterations of divisive and unfit leadership.

Only by addressing the hollowed core of our society can we hope to prevent the rise of figures who exploit its vulnerabilities for their own gain.