By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The author explores how the author’s mind grapples with the casualness and sheer magnitude of contemporary atrocities by projecting exaggerated, kitschy evil onto cinematic, literary, and artistic representations. These serve as stand-ins for real-world horrors, suggesting that the bewildering cruelty stems not from grand strategy, but from a profound smallness and fear driving actions, validated by the act of inflicting pain. Ultimately, the article argues that such evil, often appearing ludicrous or inept, is nonetheless incredibly dangerous due to its frivolous nature, fragility, and insatiable appetite for escalation, demanding urgent and fierce opposition.
Read the original article here
Donald Trump’s presidency can be starkly understood as an embodiment of evil, characterized by an unsettling blend of the absurd, the frightening, and the cruel. The daily headlines were often filled with bewildering events that, while seemingly trivial on the surface, masked deeper, more sinister machinations. These insidious undercurrents included pervasive disinformation campaigns, orchestrated by allies with significant media influence, that warped public perception and undermined truth.
The notion of checks and balances, a cornerstone of democratic governance, was systematically eroded. The judiciary and Congress found their authority diminished, often appearing captured or neutralized, creating an environment where accountability seemed to vanish. This weakening of institutional safeguards meant the very foundation of the constitution, its guiding principles and protections, began to lose its significance, a slow but palpable decay.
At the heart of this era was a carnival barker figure, commanding the spotlight while his “circus” quietly depleted the nation’s resources and well-being. The experience of the Trump years has illuminated a deeply troubling connection between evil and sheer stupidity. It appears that the ratio of “evil idiots” to “evil masterminds” is dramatically skewed towards the former, with a profound lack of genuine intelligence accompanying malevolent intent.
To truly grasp the depth of cruelty, one might ask a migrant in one of the nation’s detention centers. The traditional image of evil, with horns and fire, feels quaintly outdated. Instead, evil now often wears a suit, supports reprehensible acts, intimidates weaker nations, and even sponsors violent individuals. This is the face of a person seemingly devoid of a conscience or any discernible moral boundaries.
The comparison to historical events, like the chillingly bureaucratic discussions in “The Conference,” where seemingly ordinary people meticulously planned mass murder, feels eerily relevant. It’s as if a collective exhaustion has set in, with the sheer absurdity of daily events becoming the new baseline, leaving many feeling perpetually drained.
The question then arises, if what was witnessed under this presidency is not evil, then what is? The aftermath promises a daunting task for any subsequent administration, facing the monumental challenge of prosecuting the myriad of illegal and corrupt activities that defined the period. The very essence of this presidency seemed to be driven by fleeting impulses, resentments, and an almost pathological need for validation through inflicting harm.
The pronouncements made about this figure often describe a man animated by little more than momentary whims and grievances. He appears as an addled comic figure, his inner turmoil laid bare in uninhibited social media rants and rambling speeches, utterly lacking self-awareness. For such individuals, the consequences of violence are secondary to the immediate gratification derived from its perpetration. This observation is not to suggest all evil is as unintelligent as this; rather, it highlights a particular brand of malevolence fueled by a combination of narcissism, pettiness, and a profound ignorance.
The sheer disbelief and confusion expressed by many Americans encapsulate the unsettling nature of this period. The question, “Where did it all go wrong?” echoes through conversations. A stark reminder of past atrocities, like the plaque commemorating victims of “Nazi barbarism,” prompts reflection on when society will collectively acknowledge the barbarism it has witnessed more recently.
This brand of “stupid evil” stands in contrast to more calculated malevolence, perhaps embodied by figures like Putin. The MAGA presidency, in this light, represents a phenomenon where millions voted for a conman, a convicted felon, and a figure accused of heinous acts, cheering his every transgression. The complicity of third-party voters and those who abstained from voting further complicates this grim picture.
Long before his presidency, this individual was perceived by many as an “horrific goblin.” For younger generations, this era has become their “normal,” a distressing testament to the erosion of standards and the normalization of the unacceptable. The exhaustion is palpable, the constant barrage of absurdity and cruelty taking a toll.
The self-proclaimed devotion of some, believing him to be a savior, stands in stark opposition to the lived realities of those who recognize the patterns of abuse. Those who grew up with abusers often have a visceral reaction to such figures, some recoiling in hatred, others drawn to them through a twisted sense of familiarity. The sheer number of individuals who embrace this ideology is staggering, with concerns that even more extreme figures will emerge.
The illusion that wealth and power equate to superior intelligence has been shattered. For a significant portion of the population, the realization that these figures can be, and often are, remarkably unintelligent has taken hold. While not all evil operates through brute stupidity, there exists a class of intelligent and ruthless opportunists who thrive on manipulating others and benefiting from the suffering of the vulnerable.
These individuals, often operating behind the scenes, find figures like Trump convenient figureheads. They are adept at sensing shifts in political tides and are not afraid to abandon failing movements. Historical figures like Joseph Fouché, who navigated treacherous political landscapes with ruthless pragmatism, serve as a cautionary reminder of such cunning operators. Figures like Bannon and Miller, within Trump’s orbit, exemplify this type of calculated ambition, actively seeking detrimental outcomes for ordinary people.
The notion that actions can be explained solely by stupidity rather than malice is being challenged. The reality suggests a spectrum where evil and stupidity often intertwine. The existence of detention camps for migrants, allowed to persist by the passive acceptance of the average American, is more concerning than the abstract nature of cruelty itself. The apathy towards such suffering, even within our own comments, is a deeply troubling indicator.
The idea that the devil has convinced America he doesn’t exist feels profoundly true. For those coming of age, the current political landscape, characterized by chaos and division, is simply their reality. The incessant barrage of “insanity” has been ongoing for years, shaping their understanding of what is normal. This prolonged exposure has a detrimental effect on the developing mind, as young voters have no memory of a time when politics was any different.
The trivialization of politics, often dismissed as the domain of “nerds,” contributes to this disconnect. When politics becomes like a form of “pop evil,” its serious implications are overlooked. The role of centrists and moderate Democrats, often criticized for their perceived inaction, is also part of this complex dynamic. The hope for excitement, even in dire circumstances, underscores a disturbing detachment from reality.
The comments sections of news outlets, particularly those concerning immigration or crime, reveal a deeply disturbing landscape. The vitriol and animosity displayed by some supporters of Trump are far more damaging than mere apathy. His apocalyptic rhetoric about the dangers facing America serves to justify extreme actions, echoing FDR’s warning that “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”
Encouraging young people to engage with history is crucial, to ensure they do not view the current state of affairs as normal. The reality is that individuals have one life, and political activism can come at immense personal cost—career ruin, endless legal battles, or physical harm. The fear of achieving nothing significant for oneself despite enduring such hardships is a constant deterrent.
Beyond politics, the fundamental character of this individual is deeply flawed, embodying the worst human qualities. His blatant display of malice, selfishness, and vulgarity is astonishing, leaving many to wonder how his supporters fail to see it. The absence of a powerful propaganda machine would leave him with nothing; he is not the creator of this destructive sentiment, but rather a symptom of pre-existing hatred.
The desire to see those they despise suffer is a driving force for many. The origin of this hatred is the most unsettling aspect, revealing a depth of animosity that was previously underestimated. For many, like an old man reflecting on the past dozen years, this ongoing revelation of human nature has been profoundly disillusioning. The realization that people are not what they once believed them to be is a heavy burden.