ChatGPT said:
The support for toxic behaviour in the SFL community shares striking parallels with the support for Donald Trump, particularly in how both create and maintain an "us vs. them" dynamic. Here's a closer look at the key similarities:
Demonising the Opposition: Both the toxic discourse in the SFL community and Trump’s rhetoric rely on demonising their critics or adversaries. Just as Trump frames the media and opposition parties as "fake news" or "enemies of the people," individuals in the SFL community often brand critiques as “toxic,” dismissing opposing views without addressing their substance. This creates a binary, where the in-group is portrayed as virtuous and the out-group is seen as inherently corrupt or malicious.
Cultivation of Victimhood: In both cases, there is a strong element of victimhood. Trump capitalises on portraying himself as a champion of the "forgotten" or "marginalised" people, railing against a corrupt elite, even though he himself holds significant power. Similarly, those who promote toxicity within the SFL community frame themselves as victims of unfair attacks, positioning themselves as defenders of truth against external criticism. This tactic appeals to a base of supporters who feel disenfranchised or under siege, making them more receptive to the rhetoric of victimhood and the portrayal of outsiders as threats.
Rejection of Constructive Engagement: Both the toxic rhetoric in the SFL community and Trump’s approach reject constructive criticism in favour of maintaining ideological purity. Just as Trump deflects challenging questions with personal attacks or by discrediting the questioner, those who foster toxicity in the SFL community avoid engaging with critiques by labelling them as hostile or illegitimate. This discourages critical reflection and shuts down productive dialogue, preserving the status quo and protecting the group's ideological position.
Appeal to Loyalty and Group Identity: Trump’s support is heavily rooted in loyalty and group identity. His rhetoric often calls for unwavering loyalty from his supporters, painting dissenters as traitors or enemies. Similarly, in the SFL community, there is an emphasis on loyalty to a particular intellectual tradition or group, and dissent is often met with accusations of disloyalty or betrayal. This fosters a sense of solidarity, but at the cost of critical thought and intellectual diversity.
Use of "Toxicity" as a Shield: Just as Trump uses the term "fake news" to shield himself from legitimate criticism, the concept of "toxicity" in the SFL community is used as a shield to dismiss any challenge to the prevailing narrative. Instead of addressing the content of criticism, the focus is shifted onto discrediting the critics themselves, painting them as harmful or disruptive. This tactic creates a protective barrier around the group, ensuring that dissenting voices are not taken seriously.
In conclusion, both the support for toxic behaviour in the SFL community and the support for Donald Trump share a common strategy of constructing a dichotomy between the righteous in-group and the corrupt, hostile out-group. They both rely on emotional appeals, victimhood narratives, and the rejection of critique to maintain power and solidarity, while suppressing intellectual engagement that might challenge their positions.
