Why Does Ben Garrison Depict Donald Trump as Muscular and Athletic?

Ben Garrison, an American alt-right political cartoonist, has drawn quite a bit of attention due to his unique interpretation of Donald Trump's physical appearance. Critics often question why Garrison portrays a picture of a fit and athletic Trump, while the reality is quite different. This article will explore the possible reasons behind these depictions and discuss the implications of such artistic choices.

Is It Just Sycophancy?

One prevalent theory among critics is that Garrison is simply flattering Trump to curry favor with him or his supporters. It is suggested that the depictions are an attempt to make Trump look more impressive than he actually is. The idea of 'don’t believe your lying eyes' is brought up, implying that the public perception might be more idealized than the actual reality.

On the other hand, some question Garrison's ability to recognize or accurately portray Trump in the first place. Given the numerous controversies surrounding Trump, it is easy to speculate that Garrison may never have seen him in person or might be exhibiting a form of self-delusion. This hypothesis is further supported by the fact that Garrison himself has not provided any substantial justification for his depictions.

Political Cartoons and Propaganda

The field of political cartooning involves not just accurate representation, but also a certain degree of artistic license that aims to convey deeper meanings and messages. In the case of Ben Garrison, his depictions of Trump can be seen as a form of propaganda. By embellishing Trump's physique, Garrison is likely trying to reinforce the idea of Trump as a strong, capable leader, which is a common theme among the alt-right.

The cartoonist's previous work, including depictions of figures like Josef Stalin and Adolf Hitler, has been noted for its exaggerated and often inaccurate representation. This further supports the idea that his portrayal of Trump is not just a realistic depiction, but a strategic one aimed at reinforcing the narrative of his subject.

The Actual Truth

The reality, as many critics point out, is far from the muscular and athletic figure Garrison portrays. Donald Trump, a seventy-four-year-old man with a history of being overweight, does not fit the mold of a fitness enthusiast. Critics argue that an accurate portrayal would depict Trump as an 'obese flabby balding man with piggy eyes and orange skin,' a far cry from the heroic depictions seen in Garrison's work.

Some suggest that the exaggerated depictions serve a comedic rather than a serious purpose. The idea of Trump in a Superman outfit, as suggested, would provide a satirical twist on the matter. The essence of political satire lies in juxtaposing reality with an idealized version, often leading to humorous results.

Ben Garrison's Depiction Reality A flowing full head of hair, bulging muscles, and washboard abs An obese, fast-food-loving, and seventy-four-year-old man

Conclusion

The depiction of Donald Trump as muscular and athletic in the works of Ben Garrison raises important questions about the role of political cartoons in shaping public perceptions. While these depictions might serve as a form of flattery or propaganda, they also highlight the importance of truth and accuracy in today's media landscape.

As critics continue to analyze and debate the motives behind these illustrations, it becomes clear that the line between artistic license and reality is often blurred in the world of political cartoons. This article aimed to explore the possible reasons behind Garrison's depictions and the broader implications of such artistic choices.