Understanding President Trump’s Signature Handshake: Dominance or Something Deeper?
When it comes to handshakes, Barack Obama’s firm handshake was all about showing confidence and strength, while George W. Bush’s handshake was more welcoming and warm. Interestingly, President Trump’s handshake is much more of an assault than a shared greeting. The relentless grip combined with a ratcheting motion aimed at asserting dominance is often noted by many observers.
Throughout human history, the way people greet each other can often reveal their character and hidden motives. Some argue that Trump’s handshake is a display of his alpha male persona. However, there may be a more sinister explanation that involves a psychological technique used by stage hypnotists.
Is It Just Alpha Male Behavior?
There’s an intriguing theory that suggests Trump’s handshake might be more than just brute force and dominance. The first time I saw him deliver one of those dramatic yanks, it reminded me of a “shock induction” technique used by stage hypnotists. This technique, which confuses and disorients the victim briefly, allows the hypnotist to implant a suggestion without the subject’s awareness. While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it’s clear that some professionals, like Derren Brown, can execute this technique effectively.
The handshake was far too violent and sudden to be accidental or fumbling. It makes me wonder if Trump is interested in neurolinguistic programming (NLP), a technique that’s often considered pseudoscientific. NLP involves deliberately manipulating non-verbal and verbal communication to influence others' thoughts and behaviors. The difference between encouraging someone to get a bit drunk and spiking their drink is telling. It suggests that Trump’s grip is not just instinctive dominance, but a calculated and Machiavellian attempt to gain control over people in a covert manner.
Exploring the Psychological Underpinnings
Two words: toxic masculinity. In the United States, certain qualities are often associated with masculinity, which can lead to schoolyard bullying. Consider the example of a guy in a bar who aggressively seeks to control the situation by asking if someone is “talking to his girl,” or a school bus kid who bullies others by challenging their gaze. There’s also the abusive boyfriend or spouse who assaults their partner for minor infractions or perceived slight. The inexperienced CEO who believes that a small chair in front of their desk will get people to cede demands easily is another example.
The common thread in these scenarios is a desperate attempt to establish dominance due to underlying insecurities. For many Americans, particularly those who feel inferior to others, the superficial mannerisms of dominance serve as a way to compensate for their insecurities. By dominating others, they hope to regain a sense of control in their lives. Essentially, this behavior is a manifestation of what is known as the Napoleon complex, where individuals try to make up for their shortcomings through aggressive actions.
The Spiral of Insecurity and Aggression
Trump’s behavior appears to be a reflection of his internal struggles. The internal feelings of failure, fear, and cluelessness that seem to pervade his presidency fuel his need to assert dominance. However, this approach backfires, as his aggressive behavior is seen as a joke by the rest of the world. This, in turn, deepens his insecurities and pushes him further into animalistic displays of dominance. This downward spiral not only erodes his credibility but also undermines his ability to build strong relationships with world leaders.
While his grip may be seen as masculine, it’s more accurately described as childish. Rather than a sign of strength or confidence, it’s a desperate and toxic attempt to compensate for underlying insecurities. What Trump is exhibiting is not masculinity, but a form of insecurity and aggression that is unwelcome in both personal and professional settings.