Why We Should or Should Not Call Trump By His First Name: A Case Study in Branding and Respect

The question of whether to call Donald Trump by his first name or his full title—President Trump—has long been a topic of debate. The answer often depends on the context, the public's perception of him, and the effects of his actions on his image and influence.

Presidential Title and Respect

Many argue that Donald Trump should be referred to as President Trump because he deserves every bit of respect that comes with the title. This respect is not contingent on personal opinion but is a recognition of his official position. As president, he held a significant amount of power and influence over the country's policies and direction. Referring to him as President Trump acknowledges his official position and the substantial role he played.

The Influence of Nicknames

However, the use of nicknames can greatly affect a person's public perception. Donald Trump has made a name for himself with a series of memorable nicknames and titles, many of which have been used to diminish his influence and power. One such nickname that has gained traction is “Don the Con.”

“Don the Con” and Its Meaning

“Don the Con” is a nickname that implies a sense of familiarity and suggests that Trump has been conning people. In many contexts, particularly those involving organized crime, being known as “Don” can be seen as a sign of respect and leadership. However, when combined with "the con," it shifts the connotation to something negative and disreputable. For instance, in the Italian Mafia, the title “Don” is typically used to denote a leader or boss, often with a level of reverence. But when applied to Donald Trump, it loses this connotation of respect and instead highlights his controversial actions and business dealings.

The Protective Connotation

It’s interesting to note that in some contexts, the term “Don” could have a protective benefit. In the film and literature world, a character known as the “Teflon Don” was portrayed in a way that made his negative actions less glaring. Similarly, if Donald Trump were to be referred to as "Don" without "the Con," his actions might be perceived with less immediate currency, reducing their impact. For example, in the The Godfather series, "The Don" refers to the mafia boss, evoking a sense of power and authority that can overshadow the violent and criminal activities associated with his character.

Public Perception and Personal Skin

Donald Trump's extreme sensitivity to nicknames suggests that he is deeply aware of how these labels shape public perception. His thin-skinned nature and his efforts to avoid the nickname “Don the Con” reveal a significant concern about how he is perceived. In his own context, the use of the term “Don” without the negative connotation could potentially shift the public's view of him, making his aggressive and sometimes destructive behavior less immediately noticeable. This could be seen as a form of strategic branding, where the goal is to reframe public perception in a way that minimizes harm to his personal image.

Conclusion

Whether to call Donald Trump by his first name or his full title is a complex issue that reflects broader debates about public respect, branding, and personal influence. Understanding the nuances of these label choices can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of public perception and individual branding in the modern world.

Citations

See:

John Gotti - Wikipedia

For a deeper understanding of the cultural and media context in which nicknames are used, explore:
When Don't Call Me Don: Why The Mafia's Nickname is Dangerous