By Carol Lucas
If you have read any of my publications, you know that my tolerance for Donald Trump and his antics lies way below sea level. I try to couch my disdain in words that are ladylike and have some semblance of couth. Believe me, folks, that isn’t always an easy task. But I digress, even this early in the article.
While perusing some of the posts on Facebook this morning, a source for some of the most mundane reading, what I read caused me to consider the words “sadistic” and “masochistic.” From a psychological perspective, the masochist is someone who presents a self-defeatist behavior by inflicting pain or humiliation onto himself, or letting someone else do so … and he enjoys it. The sadist, on the other hand, derives great pleasure from inflicting that pain or humiliation, and can identify his targets from a mile away.
While we often tend to consider these actions and reactions in a sexual context, don’t be too quick to discount other ways in which this symbiotic relationship occurs. I don’t like to play armchair psychologist too often, but I am going to do so now, simply because what plays out on a daily basis in the realm of politics deserves to be looked at, even with an unprofessional eye such as mine.
As a member of the Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse Board of Directors for several years, I came to recognize the ramifications of domestic abuse. Given the necessary confidentiality, the stories, even then, were varied and numerous, and all were compelling. Don’t for a moment believe that these abused women came just from poverty level homes. Many chose to escape their wealthy surroundings because life had become unbearable. Women who were victims and finally found the courage to leave a toxic, abusive relationship sought temporary refuge in a facility provided by CODA. Being part of this effort to help was both rewarding and depressing.
So let’s look at the concept of a “toxic” relationship. Take a page from this book because those who vehemently subscribe to the MAGA agenda are, in my humble opinion, bound to a situation as toxic as it gets. Furthermore, it appears to generate a slavish response on the part of many who blindly followed the former President’s dictum. Remember, this led to a rebellion against our government, something we associate with third world countries.
But even more conspicuous in their masochism are the Congressional Republicans who, despite the overt verbal attacks on them by Trump, seem destined to remove their shirts and hand the whip to the former president. Even their families aren’t spared. Remember the attack on Ted Cruz’s father whom Trump suggested was part of the JFK assassination plot? And the moniker he bestowed upon Cruz himself, ‘Lyin’ Ted’?
And still this man pledges himself to Trump. And how about that of Little Marco? The latest is the remark about Chris Christie’s weight. Really? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Christie at least has what it takes to deal with this head on.
Perhaps the most pathetic example of the masochistic pose comes from Kevin McCarthy who had the temerity to suggest that Trump might not be the ‘strongest’ Republican candidate in 2024. Once Trump unleashed his wrath, McCarthy was said to have called him and apologized. Want to guess how this sniveling conversation might have gone?
“Mr. President, this is Kevin, and I just want to say how sorry I am that I went off script and suggested you aren’t necessarily the candidate we need. I’m calling to beg your forgiveness, and I will do anything, ANYTHING, to get back into your good graces. Please, please, Mr. President!”
Cold silence at the end of the line when finally Trump responds, with the usual smirk in his voice: “Kevin, you know what I demand of my subordinates. What you said puts you very close to being part of the witch hunt. You know I am being indicted for your sake, much like Christ was crucified for his people. Very disloyal, Kevin, very disloyal.”
Most sadists thrive on delivering the guilt trip, and while this conversation is a supposition on my part, I do know that his recent rally opened with, “I am being indicted for you.” For those consumed with the madness of believing that the Lord sent Donald Trump to them, the above conjecture isn’t a quantum leap! Furthermore, this billionaire, trolling for donations to support the vast number of legal problems which are of his own making, is classic “you owe me.” And sadly, the masochists, many who are living paycheck to paycheck or social security check to the same, continue to shovel in the money, while the hucksters are laughing all the way to the bank.
Prodding, goading, belittling, taunting? All attributes of a bully. What is a schoolyard bully but a sadist who will take his actions to a higher level if not stopped early on?
Consider this: when was the last time you heard the former President argue a point based upon his political ideology? I cannot decide if he is unable or unwilling to do this.
What I do believe is he simply chooses to ramp up discontent among his followers. And I question whether he seeks political stability or is this simply another aspect of his sadism? Sadly, dear reader, every sadist needs a masochist, and if you sanction these activities, perhaps you might consider that you are that person.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
