The Authoritarian Character Part 2

In order to provide a more explicit description of the authoritarian character type, let’s look at one significant variable.  Homo sapiens arrive into this world anxious, dependent, insecure and powerless .Then through socialization, personality develops. Within the authoritarian character, there is a tendency and a craving for submission {masochism} along with a lust for power or domination {sadism}.  With masochism and sadism strivings, we find feelings of inferiority, powerlessness, inadequacy, weakness and social insignificance. Although one may be aware of this anxiety or unpleasantness, there’s an unconscious component that drives or influences the person to feel inferior and insignificant as evidenced by behavior, fantasies, dreams, gestures, etc.

As a consequence of these emotional dynamics, results in a tendency to fuse oneself {masochism} with somebody or something outside of self. Psychologically, this takes place unconsciously In order to acquire or compensate for the separateness, weakness and omnipotence that one lacks, thereby gaining some sense of security, power, strength, and connectedness. That identification or becoming part of, could be with a significant person, celebrity, God, coach, political figure, lover, institution, team, philosophy, political party, religion, etc. In fact, that personification might become a “magic helper,” or a “magic lover” that results in psychological dependence or dependency.

Just think of attending a national political convention.  Masses of people are dressed with similar hats, etc.; hold similar signs; yell and scream in unison; and become a mob. In that setting, one is no longer alone, feels part of something, is comforted in something much larger than self, and would follow that crowd, mob or sentiment, no matter what or where. On a smaller scale, sitting in a room with anxious fellow teammates listening to the coach preparing his warriors or soldiers for battle, regardless of the personal cost or potential harm to one’s body, raises the adrenalin levels for fight. On a personal note, I would’ve run through the wall if Coach Ed Rutherford asked. When he said, hit the quarterback on every play, I did without any questioning.

To Be Continued