OPINION/SATIRE: The Myth of Trump - Like Cinderella, It’s Just a Fairytale

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Amid trials and investigations. In the aftermath of an insurrection (or a gathering of like-minded people with some free time on their hands, depending on your perspective).

As fines in the hundreds of millions are handed down and restrictions placed on his access to business in New York, the former president does what any of us would do under such dire circumstances – he launched a new line of sneakers at Sneaker Con on February 17 in Philadelphia.

The golden “Never Surrender High Tops” with an American flag and emblazoned letter T on its side are in limited supply and for sale at $399. Best get them while they last.

But perhaps more important than the cost and availability of the Never Surrender kicks, is the question of what prompts the man, a former president, a self-professed genius and billionaire by his statements, to fend off the onslaught of suits, indictments, and costly verdicts by selling sneakers?

Yes, there was Trump Vodka, Trump Water, and Trump Steaks in the past but metaphorically speaking the wolves were not at the foregate when those items went on sale. The carefully crafted myth of Trump was not at risk of being erased nor under constant assault as it is today.

What prompts a politician to ignore the facts, accusations, findings, and verdicts surrounding one and instead opt to act like none of it is actually happening?

Is it perhaps that in some people (especially heroes) there is an ability to keep the truth, facts, reality, and fairytales all in their separate spaces so that they never mingle and confuse one?

In the past, distant past as it turns out, there have been myths, legends, and fairytales that have both entertained and influenced people and cultures.

The story of Cinderella, as an example, with the pumpkin that turns into a coach, the glass slippers, the handsome prince, and mice doubling as horses to guide Cinderella to the ball.

All of these things have their roots in stories that are over 2000 years old not just the version we are familiar with and which Disney has immortalized over the years.

Myth, Fairytale or Legend?

What is the current narrative of our former president based on; a metaphor rooted in events of the past in locations that did exist at one time that connect a people with their beliefs? Or an interesting story meant to entertain and nothing more?

With a fairytale one doesn’t ask – was it real? One doesn’t wait for their disbelief to be suspended. It’s just a story. Its listeners assume it’s light, funny, and indifferent. Entertaining while at times also being a morality tale, to be accepted or not – but never taken seriously.

Politicians are inclined to delve deeply into and utilize fairytales and myths. Claiming certain heroic deeds and fabulous endings that will never come true but fit the narrative that they weave for the media and constituents.

No one likes a hero who does the ordinary.

And there always seem to be illustrations and fantastical images (like a golden sneaker) that speak to the magical side of a fairytale while keeping it from drifting too far away from the unbelievable – like flying dragons and great hoards of gold.

The autumnal pumpkin becomes a golden coach that whisks Cinderella off to the Ball. The glass slipper that a lovestruck prince tries on the feet of a hundred ladies before finding the right foot.

Fiction, all of it and we know that. Yet we’re intrigued.

We want to be pulled into something far from today’s reality. From the grit and grime of daily life what better than tales of Great Ulysses or a hero closer to home?

Even Star Wars was predicated on the myth of a hero exploring his true potential in confronting circumstances that would eventually show his true character. That was then transported into space and a galaxy far, far away – entertaining millions. Perhaps this is what the former president is exploring right now.

But what is the Gold Sneaker a metaphor for?

Is it the beginning of a new myth about our former president or is it another distraction, only meant to entertain and refill the ever-empty coffers heroes need to find and fight the next dragon?