The Art of Distraction: Trump, HyperNormalisation, and Building Resistance
Donald Trump’s mastery of stagecraft isn’t just theatrics—it’s a deliberate strategy of shock and awe. By creating chaos and distraction, he overwhelms the public, leaving people either disengaged or consumed by outrage, unable to focus on what they can change. This tactic aims to exhaust opposition and normalize the unimaginable, a hallmark of authoritarianism.
Shock, Awe, and HyperNormalisation
Filmmaker Adam Curtis calls this phenomenon HyperNormalisation. In his 2016 documentary, Curtis explains how governments and corporations abandoned solving real problems, instead constructing a "fake world" to maintain power. Trump’s media provocations fit this mold, keeping attention on his antics while quietly advancing policies that reshape society, like deregulation and judicial overhauls.
The result is psychological manipulation:
Overwhelm and Exhaust: People become numb to constant crises and disengage.
Distract and Paralyze: Outrage over symbolic battles obscures structural changes.
By escalating shock tactics, authoritarian regimes push society into accepting what once seemed unthinkable. Each new crisis makes the last feel normal.
Resisting Distraction
To counter this, resistance must be deliberate, sustainable, and focused:
Focus on Substance: Ignore the spectacle. Track policy changes and their real-world impact.
Match Escalation: Anti-fascist movements must act with the same speed and intensity, evolving strategies to meet new challenges.
Build Infrastructure: Create systems for defense, housing, food, and healthcare to sustain resistance and reduce reliance on authoritarian structures.
Act Now: Begin building the future you want today. Align actions with the values of equity, community, and sustainability.
The Path Forward
Trump’s strategy thrives on overwhelming and exhausting the public. But it’s not invincible. By focusing on substance, refusing to accept the "fake world," and building the foundations of a better future, we can resist.
Don’t roll over. Don’t disengage. The most effective resistance isn’t just about opposing fascism—it’s about creating a world where it cannot thrive. Dig in and build that world now.