The Hate-Monger

The term "Hate-Monger," while used colloquially to describe divisive public figures, originates from the world of Marvel Comics as a supervillain embodying hatred and prejudice. 

First appearing in Fantastic Four #21 in 1963, the Hate-Monger is revealed to be a clone of Adolf Hitler, his identity steeped in bigotry and the manipulation of others through fear. 

He wields a "Hate-Ray," a device that amplifies anger and discord, weaponising human vulnerabilities to incite chaos and control. This fictional narrative offers a striking parallel to real-world figures accused of stoking division for power.

 

As with the Hate-Monger, Trump’s rise to prominence relied heavily on exploiting societal fractures. The Hate-Monger used his ray to sow distrust and hatred; Trump, critics argue, achieved similar effects through his rhetoric. By labelling Mexican immigrants as "rapists," promoting a Muslim travel ban, and dismissing protesters as "thugs," Trump amplified latent fears and prejudices, drawing people to his side by painting others as threats. His ability to frame himself as the protector of "forgotten Americans" mirrors the supervillain’s skill in presenting himself as the solution to the chaos he incites.

Like the Hate-Monger, whose power relied on dividing people, Trump’s strategy often involved pitting groups against one another: rural versus urban, white versus minority communities, conservatives versus liberals. This tactic not only consolidated his base but also destabilised the broader political landscape, echoing the fictional villain's quest to spread discord as a means of control. Social media became Trump’s analogue to the Hate-Ray, a tool used to amplify his voice and provoke reactions on a massive scale.

Yet, as with the Hate-Monger’s eventual defeat in Marvel Comics, Trump’s legacy is not without opposition. His critics liken him to the comic book villain, not just because of his divisive rhetoric, but also due to the enduring societal damage left in his wake. However, supporters see him not as a hate-inciting force, but as a disruptor battling an unjust status quo, a far cry from the caricature of a comic book villain.

The parallels between Trump and the fictional Hate-Monger serve as a lens through which his presidency and influence can be critiqued. Both figures reveal the dangerous allure of leadership rooted in fear and division, as well as the societal vulnerabilities that enable such figures to thrive. Ultimately, they remind us of the critical importance of vigilance and unity in resisting forces that seek to exploit hatred for their own gain.

There's also "The Puppet Master", who has an equivalent in Musk.

We have our own Hate Monger in the UK, who also sows dissent by exploiting, and even manufacturing grievances.