As I advised my wife about a week ago, true crime stories and Hallmark movies appear to be polar opposites, but in reality, they are very similar. Both are very predictable narratives with clear rules in which order triumphs over disorder and justice is ultimately done. The viewer is left with the impression that everything will always work out in the end. Hence, the popularity of such programs.
Theme parks are a lot like that, too. A proper theme park is a closed, artificial universe in which all of the pieces fit and disorderly narratives are banished, at least temporarily. Again, that is why they are so popular.
With that in mind, imagine designing a theme park which reflects the mindset of an American reactionary–for obvious reasons, we will call it Trumpworld. How would it work?
Trumpworld would have three separate areas: Real America; Liberal America; and Aliens. Real America would contain rides and characters depicting pious white Christians living in rural settings. Here, crime and disorder are unknown. Liberal America, on the other hand, is populated by perverts, violent criminals, drug addicts, and lazy minorities demanding government handouts. Aliens, of course, are even worse; they don’t even have time for Liberal America. They just want to put us in concentration camps, steal our money, and blow us up.
At the end of each day, a great wall rises to protect Real America from the other two. The crowds cry and scream with joy as justice is done. Fireworks go off. Everyone goes home happy. They’ll do it again tomorrow.