The fear of being objectified is a recurring theme that can be traced back to ancient times. It is often associated with the loss of control and powerlessness. This feeling has been exploited by many politicians who have used it to their advantage in various ways. One way they have done this is through the use of eroticized political insults, which is a form of discourse wherein sexual terms are used to denigrate others. In this paper, we will explore how eroticized political insults reflect deeper societal fears and desires. We will look at three examples of such insults from American politics.
Example 1: "Crooked Hillary" - Donald Trump's nickname for his opponent, Hillary Clinton, during the 2016 presidential election campaign. The term implies that she is untrustworthy and dishonest, as well as sexually immoral. By using this type of language, Trump was able to tap into the fears and insecurities of his supporters, particularly those who felt threatened by women in positions of power. He also made use of gendered stereotypes about women being manipulative and deceitful, reinforcing the idea that men should be in charge.
Example 2: "Low-energy Jeb" - Another example comes from the same election cycle when Trump targeted his Republican primary opponent, Jeb Bush. The phrase suggested that Bush lacked energy or passion, implying that he was not fit to lead the country.
It could also be interpreted as an allusion to Bush's physical appearance and perceived weakness. Again, Trump played on the fear of being outperformed by someone seen as inferior.
Example 3: "Little Marco" - This insult, directed at Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) by then-candidate Trump during the 2016 primaries, suggests that Rubio is small and physically weak. It taps into traditional masculine norms and the desire to see one's leader as strong and capable. The insult may have been intended to make voters feel more secure about their own manhood by making Rubio appear less so.
These examples show how politicians can use sexualized language to exploit societal anxieties and insecurities. They reflect a wider cultural fear of being objectified or viewed as inferior, which can create a sense of vulnerability and insecurity. By using eroticized political insults, these figures tap into these fears and desires, gaining support from those who are most susceptible to such attacks. In doing so, they perpetuate harmful stereotypes about gender and power dynamics, reinforcing oppressive systems and structures.
How do eroticized political insults reflect deeper societal fears and desires?
Eroticized political insults can reveal the deeper societal fears and desires by exposing underlying tensions between different groups of people with differing beliefs and values regarding sexuality, gender roles, and power dynamics. Such language can be used as a tool for intimidation and control, reflecting the fear of losing status, position, or authority.