Trump supporters' ear bandage trend mocked as 'cult-like' behaviour

It is said that human ingenuity knows no bounds, and fans are willing to get a tattoo of their idols or embark on a long journey to meet them. An entire category of idolisation is the relationship between a charismatic politician and their voters. Blinded by the promise of a better life if the given person obtains the coveted seat, voters are willing to do much to help achieve the goal, even if it means making a fool of themselves in the global media.

On Saturday, 13 July 2024, there was a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump, resulting in one person's death and the politician being injured in the ear. To secure the wound, the former U.S. president bandaged his right ear. The sight of the injured president moved the hearts of the Republicans, who decided to support him in his suffering. As a sign of unity, Donald Trump voters also wear bandages on their right ears to resemble their idol.

Social media has been flooded with photographs of dozens of people with the characteristic white bandage on their ears. Their appearance directly associates them with Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, who, due to a fit caused by mental illness, cut off part of his ear and then sent it to a friendly prostitute. In his self-portraits, van Gogh depicted himself with a bandage on the right ear.

Many commentators on social media claim that Donald Trump's voters are making fools of themselves by trying to resemble the politician. Their behaviour is compared to a disturbing cult where everyone forcibly tries to be like the leader. One commenter wrote: "That's why aliens no longer visit us," which received much approval from other internet users on the X platform.