Trump as a 'Black Swan': A Political Euphemism for a Disastrous Event
Jared Kushner's recent characterization of Donald Trump as a 'black swan' is both revealing and troubling. Among the many truisms we've learned in the last few years is that what looks like chaos or unpredictability is often simply the result of a deliberate and unethical willful process. Trump's 'black swan' designation suggests more than an unpredictable event; it points to a dangerous, almost inevitable outcome with catastrophic consequences for those around him and, perhaps more importantly, for the fabric of American democracy.
The 'Black Swan' Misnomer
The term 'black swan' is typically used to describe unpredictable outcomes. However, in this context, it serves more as a euphemism for the known and predictable disaster that is Donald Trump. Calling someone a 'black swan' when there is a clear understanding that their actions are not just unpredictable but almost guaranteed to cause harm is a hollow and disingenuous statement.
Trumponomics: A Falsely Predictable Disaster
Take the 2016 election. While the surprise victory of Donald Trump was indeed unexpected, his rise to power and the resulting impact should not be considered an anomaly. From the perspective of those familiar with the details, Trump was more of a 'black crow' than a 'black swan'. The fact that such a sociopathic, narcissistic individual could rise to the pinnacle of power is as predictable as it is dangerous. Entrusting the 'free world' with a leader who displays overtly unethical behavior is a course that spells disaster, regardless of the label applied.
A Faux Ethical Commentary
Jared Kushner's comment makes the somewhat absurd comparison of Trump to a 'black swan', implying unpredictability and eventual emergence. Yet, the term 'black swan' refers to a never-before-seen phenomenon, such as the sighting of a black swan before it was believed that such creatures did not exist. The irony is not lost on many observers that this so-called 'black swan' event took place in a context where the appearance of such an entity was not so much a surprise as a foreseeable outcome of a series of unethical and manipulative actions.
The 'Black Swan' as a Tragic Figure
When one considers the 'black swan' as a tragic figure, it helps to view the term less as a call to action and more as a critical reflection on the situation. Trump and those like him can be seen as tragic figures in their own right, for they bring about the downfall of the very institutions and values they purport to uphold. This tragedy is often unintentional, as seen with Jared Kushner's seemingly backhanded compliment, but it is still a reflection of the damage they cause.
Leaping to Conclusions: The Bleached Skin Riddle
In the realm of internet memes and jokes, it's not uncommon to find brilliantly crafted explanations for noteworthy absurdities. One such meme suggests that the moniker 'black swan' refers to a bizarre phenomenon: a person with bleached skin who spends too much time under a cheap sun lamp, resulting in an orange glow. The joke is layered, making fun of the term 'black swan' as well as Trump's controversial background, but it also highlights the absurdity of using such a term for a figure known to have questionable ethics and intentions.
In conclusion, Jared Kushner's 'black swan' comment is more a reflection of the disarray within Trump's inner circle than an insight into the future. It is a toxic mix of complacency and disdain, a candid admission of the damage being done, and a sad acknowledgment that the unpredictable, disaster-prone path has already been set in motion.