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DigitalMountainMonk t1_jaci2i9 wrote

This isn't the actions of a strong man. A strong man protects the people by uniting them against all comers. They fight.. but they don't commit suicide while doing it. The strongman persona is attractive because its a signal that everyone survives or everyone dies and thus promotes unity.

This is the action of a great coward. When you cant admit, even to yourself, that you have failed. You cant face the consequences of your actions. When the only thing you can do is pretend you haven't failed like a petulant child demanding more candy.

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dustwindy t1_jacvrnj wrote

The term "Strong Man" doesnt literally describe a virtuous protector; it's a political term for a smooth-talking autocrat who lies and steals his way into power under the banner of populism (another term that doesn't mean what you think it does). Popular tactics include eroding democracy and turning your neighbors and countrymen into hated scapegoats.

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DigitalMountainMonk t1_jadeuon wrote

While that might be true in a technical sense.. to the Russians Putin is viewed as the figurative strong man.

It's why you always see him expressed in machoesq ways there.. such as riding a bear with his shirt off.

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