Don’t Panic- America is Being Run by a Two-Headed Intergalactic Troll: Or How Humorous Social Commentary from the “Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” Shapes its Way into a Current Political Reality What is the true role of a political leader? The novel, “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” asks us to ponder this question, and with the use of satire, further explores and contrasts the positions relationship between the head of state and that of an engrossing personality figure. While being introduced to the description of the president of the galaxy, it is expressed that the presidents true purpose is to entertain its citizens while decisions are made elsewhere. Although the author, Douglas Adams, presents the idea of an inept figurehead as though …show more content…
Although enjoying high-name recognition for setting the tone of governmental organization, Trump’s example is poor at best. In lamentably gaining status as a celebrity, the biggest and best-known personality, he shifts from the coverage of serious issues by a publicly demanded obsession: “Trump has received far more media attention than any other Republican. Journalists and campaigns have, understandably, been reluctant to treat him as a serious candidate. The Huffington Post, for instance, decided it would cover him in the entertainment section” (Cohn). In essence, Trump has only deterred from political establishment and has dominated the press as a source of amusement. While we may look to the incumbent President for a serious global leader, perhaps it is inevitable that we may not find one. Instead, our misguided expectations must be adapted for the accurate role of Donald Trump: provoking entertainment that thrives on the reactions of its
This political cycle surely has made a spectacle of American politics. Donald Trump, the boisterous personality and current GOP presidential
Books with the utmost captivatingly complex characters, relatable themes and plots that keep us guessing in the unpredictable aura are those which reflect great capability. This idea is explored in ‘The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy’, a science-fiction novel written by Douglas Adams. A story regarding Arthur Dent and his friends, Ford Prefect, Trillian McMillan and Zaphod Beeblebrox travelling the universe to discover and explore Life, the Universe and Everything. Ranking 1st on the New York Times Best Seller List in 1979, and on BBC's "Big Read", an attempt to find the "Nation's Best-loved book", ranked 24th. This novel engaged readers through themes such as Absurdity, Intriguing characters such as Arthur Dent, and exciting and unpredictable events such as the discovery of
Donald John Trump is currently one of the candidates for the Republican nomination for the President of the United States in the 2016 election. He is having no trouble winning numerous state caucuses and is currently the leading candidate with the most delegates among his republican peers. In the media, he is a candidate that seems to have the most air time compared to all of his contenders; his saturated exposure can be considered one of the major contributor to his rising popularity. Trump delivers simple but effective rhetoric about tax cuts for the rich as well as the poor, anti-free trade, tough immigration reform, Nationalism, and other topics that naturally draw in support from the average right-winged conservative individual. His crazy
However, when confidence in the government is lost due to public crises, people seek a charismatic leader. As a charismatic leader, “men do not obey him by virtue of tradition or statute, but because they believe in him” (Weber 1946, 79). Trump expresses charisma in his determination and vows to make “make great America again”, which impresses his followers. Many may find Trump to be inspiring, honest, or courageous. It’s those unique characteristics that gain him authority and is a powerful form of domination that builds a close relationship between the leader and his/her followers. Trump does not abide by norms or traditional policies, he has a personal approach in the system. His passionate emphasis on his ability to restore broken policies and America, convinces and attracts followers that believe in his infallible
Leaders are a vital instrument in the orchestra of how the world turns today, but often times the responsibilities of leaders are misconstrued. However, there are several texts out there that explain fully what a leader’s role is. Two of these texts are The Odyssey by Homer and “Farewell Address” by George Washington. The authors of these documents were very wise and respected in their times, one being an eternally famous philosopher and the other the very first President of the United States. The Odyssey by Homer and “Farewell Address” by George Washington display clearly the loyalty, unity, and humility a leader should have.
Remember 2012 when Mitt Romney ran for president? We all thought that it was the end of the world and that Romney would be the final downfall of America. Now it’s 2016 and there’s a new “Mitt Romney,” but this time it’s totally different. Donald Trump is someone who people either glorify or are terrified at the thought of this man “making America great again.” Most people think that Donald Trump is “brutally honest” or is extremely humourous. The people who think that Trump is funny are not looking at what he could do. The people who agree with Trump’s views are not looking at how it could affect so many people looking up to America which is perceived as a chance for change and hope. Maybe I’m being bias because I am the child of an Mexican
As the human race makes life-changing discoveries, it is made apparent that there is always more to learn as the universe, instead of becoming familiar, is becoming absurd. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, written by Douglas Adams, as well as the 2005 film adaption, portrays absurdity to be an all-encompassing system in the universe. Through the introduction and attempt to understand lack of reason, the narration of important elements and the human perception of the universe, the novel is as a whole, more complete than the film. With these points it is irrefutable that The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy develops the theme of absurdity with greater prowess than the film, resulting in a deeper
In my book, “The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, if I could meet any character I would want to meet is Trillian. I would ask her how she has not gone insane yet, dealing with Zaphod Beeblebrox. She puts up with him often because he is basically insane and they are dating. Zaphod is the President of the Galaxy. They see the sights of the universe together in the Heart of Gold, their spaceship that Zaphod stole. I would ask Trillian how she puts up with him and everything in the universe. She sees many things and they are all beautiful and wonderful. Trillian is a curious person and I wish that everyone had that curious nature because as most say, “Curiosity killed the cat,” but I know that, “Satisfaction brought
In an age were social media sits at the forefront of global connectivity and communication, the political arena has never had been more exposed the unpredictable nature of public engagement and response. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the formality and ceremony of traditional political engagement has, to an extent, been abandoned. Throughout the course of the 2016 US presidential election, celebrities have used their status and personal platform to voice their stance in the debate and name their preferred candidate. This essay will explore: The current trends of celebrity rhetoric in the current campaign and how each respective party compares; how celebrity translates or carries authority and creditability in this arena; and how social media and digital platforms have been employed to share, spread and generate public debate based on this form of rhetoric. Therefore measuring the public response, success and criticism towards current celebrity endorsements.
“The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination-” Albert Einstein. This concept of intelligence is shown in the novel The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. In this wild story written by Douglas Adams, life throughout the universe is not limited to Earth. Arthur Dent, and ordinary human, finds himself in a terrifying situation when his planet meets its end.
Donald Trump before he became the 45th president, his famous campaign motto “Make America Great Again” caught the attention of many Americans, but mostly by white Americans. Trump’s tactics made him a very clever man throughout the election, he had many techniques on how to gain the American vote. Throughout his campaign, he was attentive of the men around him. For example, Trump knew exactly what to say to get the attention of the American people. He already had in mind who he was going to pick in position for foreign policy, national security, and defense (“Donald Trump is the ultimate Machiavellian prince”). With this intention, he brought comfort to Americans, yet the people he was going to pick for these positions all have a common trait, which was all of them are specialist in the Middle East and Russia. Not only, was Trump attentive of America, yet he kept in mind how it was going to affect
A great example of sci-fi parody is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. This movie is about a man named Arthur Dent, who is trying to make it by after the Earth was destroyed in order to make way for a construction project (The Hitchhiker’s). This movie is extremely random and the plot does not have one straight line. It is very hard to follow and the goals of the heroes are constantly changing. The main thing this movie did was critique society.
The 45th president of the United States, Donald Trump, definitely isn’t seen as a normal or establishment president. Throughout his election process and almost a year into his term, Trump has proven he is one of the more unique presidents in American history. Because of this uniqueness, he is typically highly criticize. Though, this criticism clouds some of the reality. In fact, in his first year, a lot of his presidential accomplishments are comparable to previous modern day presidents. Therefore, through general norms and patterns to evaluate a president, Trump has shown he is extremely unique, but also fits in with the presidential normalcy.
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy is a great book which ties in British humor with a real world persona. What I mean, is the book uses satire to discuss situations facing the world today. An example is in the book the president of the galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox, is only a figure to the public and does not hold any power in the galaxy. This is exactly like the queen of England she’s only a figurehead and has no power in England’s government. The book follows Arthur Dent an Englishman who enjoys a life of isolation. Arthur enjoys his home, however a couple of city workers come to destroy this house to build a bypass. Ultimately Arthur’s house gets knocked down and Ford, an alien from another planet, rescues Arthur just in time before the world
Donald’s Trump’s victory in the 2016 election is very complex. The political mishaps that have occurred since JFK’s presidency reshaped the American psyche of who the president should be. This chain of dissatisfaction with the federal government led the American people to hope for a president who is honest, free of corruption, and supportive of the middle class. Trump recognized the American need for a new kind of president and took on a persona that perfectly exemplified this. The Trump Mythology is the belief that Donald Trump is a transparent, honest politician; however, this is only part of the equation. Belief in the Trump Mythology contributed to his victory, but it is also important to acknowledge the respective roles of demographics, voter turnout, and Hillary Clinton’s flaws. An interesting difference between the Kennedy Mythology and the Trump Mythology that is worth noting is the role of the media. Throughout the Kennedy Era, popular media fed the people’s fascination of Kennedy’s Camelot, perpetuating the mythology. Donald Trump, however, was largely hated by popular culture. American media ultimately discounted Donald Trump as a viable contender for the presidency.