Like donning MAGA hats, "it facilitates a sense of belongingness and a sense of connection," Dr. Catherine Nobile , a clinical psychologist in New York, told Business Insider. "'We're all in this together, we're all behind the same idea.'"
The bandages go a step beyond Trump shirts and lawn signs, Dr. Angie Corbo , chair of communications studies at Widener University, told Business Insider.
This is a classic example of co-regulation — a coping mechanism, well-documented in psychology, that can soothe the nervous system.
Signs of solidarity are comforting in a time of distress
Mimicry has always been a gesture of devotion and support. Take people shaving their heads in solidarity with cancer patients.
It's also not new in the world of politics. In 2017, for example, supporters of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny painted their faces green after an attacker threw antiseptic green dye into his face.
For supporters of Navalny and now Trump, this performative act of imitation is a sign of solidarity. "It's saying, 'We matter and you can't take that away from us,'" Nobile said. "'My feelings about myself, the world around me, this culture, politics at large, it's an opinion that has validity and that's not going to be harmed.'"
But this goes beyond a political statement of defiance and allegiance. Signs of solidarity are also self-soothing.
Humans have a standard way of processing overwhelming emotions and stress: co-regulation, a technical term for hugging, talking, or touching. Evidence suggests co-regulation, such as wearing the same bandages, can "create a sense of understanding and belonging that can calm the nervous system," Nobile said.
"Not every Trump supporter can come and hug one another," she added. "The ear piece that they're all putting on, it could be a symbol in an effort to co-regulate as a community."
Trump's softer demeanor continues to rally supporters
The ear bandages portray a different, softer message — one that could make his audience feel more connected to him.
To match the mood, Trump's tone and demeanor were softer throughout the RNC. Recapping the assassination attempt, he was subdued and somber. Then, he paid tribute to Corey Comperatore , a man who died during the rally, by hugging his firefighter uniform.
"When he kissed the helmet, anybody who is in a parasocial relationship with him felt the embrace," Corbo said.
The visible bandage further elicits his supporters' sympathy, concern, and togetherness.
"I'm not sure how long they'll last, but he might see the value of having the softer and the strong in combination with one another," she said.
And just 2 weeks later, he's completely healed 😄 "IT'S A MIRACLE!!!" proclaim his imbecilic followers 🕊 holy sh!t these people will believe *ANYTHING*
BothDemsAndRepubsSuck
07-26
Maga in 2020: We ain't wearing no masks. They make us look stupid! Those Dumbocrars do are SHEEP!!!Maga in 2024: These ear tampons make us look so badass! All the best MAGA members are doing it!🤣🤣🤣
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.