WHERE DO THEY GET THEIR HISTORY (AND POLITICS)? ROMANCING THE PAST, PRESENT, AND TRUMP, TOO

Abstract

Romance novels have become extremely popular in the U. S. They establish, affirm, and reflect many people’s views of history and of a good, just society. In general, the stories are highly conservative; despite some phrases about energetic and capable women, romances are about finding love and marriage with the right man. He will clearly be the head of the household. Money, health, and careers are never problems in the novels. The leading figures must be beautiful and sexy. Donald Trump is hardly to everyone’s taste, yet he fits the criteria for a romantic hero, except for his age, fairly well.