The news continues regarding the Omicron variant , Voting rights legislation, January 6 congressional commission, Trump's legal battles etc. propelled me to ponder more about the character structure of those doing harm to the majority of individuals in this Republic.As a result, this essay focuses on the authoritarian character of those harmful people.
Briefly , we are all born helpless and remain so for a long time.We are unable to survive on our own and require parents to fulfill our physiological and safety needs. This psychological fact becomes the basis for both leaning on power as well as being fearful of power.In essence , parents both provide and punish during this process. Eventually we become more independent economically and begin to separate from them. Even while attaining adulthood, we still remain insecure in many ways and attempt to find powers to protect us and provide certainty. We attend college, we marry, we gain friends, we obtain perfect job etc. while living under the illusion that we are independent and free. A pretty spouse, a prestigious car, a big house, and the most toys are some of the things we pursue in hopes of “happiness.” What about the divorce; what about alimony; what about the mortgage; what about the debt; and what about illness, addiction and disease?
Additionally, man is frightened by the power of the large bureaucracies; the bigness of everything; the state; industrial complex; and military with having less personal control. It’s difficult to be master of one’s own ship with so many large sharks attacking. It’s like the old man in the sea .He caught his great fish but could not ward off the sharks that attacked. Make a call, be placed on hold, and select the number. The person that finally answers is unable to satisfactorily resolve the issue.Can’t control home prices; food costs; gas price inflation; insurance premiums nor can one control fire, hurricanes, snowstorms etc. There is plenty to be fearful of and don’t forget voting.
We also live in the age of obedience. Just think of the number of organizations ,bureaucracies and advertising manipulations that we faithfully follow ? Oh yeah, we get material satisfactions. Consensus, become part of the crowd, one of the boys as well and just a number for all your important financial accounts. The banks want your number and don’t let anybody take your Social Security number. At one time the customer was always right but not so today. You can’t be disobedient to your computer and remember obedience today is rationalized as common sense. Living in the age of fear and obedience contributes to the development of an authoritarian character structure.
With the above being said, let’s define an authoritarian character as one that encompasses political, social, religious or other interests.In essence, this character classification influences the type of an idea a man will choose as well as deciding the force of that idea that he has chosen. It may be an opinion and/or a conviction. A person with this character normally thinks in certain ways but his thoughts are actually rooted in his inclinations and his emotions. These thoughts are not necessarily objective and truthful but biased, emotionally charged and limited.
Further,a person with this character structure has a sense of strength and identity based on his symbiotic subordination and attachment to an authority. And at the same time, a symbiotic combination of those submitted to his authority -with Trump being the authority figure. This individual essentially feels strong himself when he is able to submit and be part of that authority group which is inflated and deified. This individual at the same time is able to enslave himself by incorporating those subject to this authority- which is essentially a sadomasochistic symbiosis which equals or translates - a false sense of strength with one's identity.
Threats to an authoritarian character essentially become extreme anxiety and fear .Then, that individual fights back as if it’s a threat to his life. Likely that individual is resentful to authority or the Democrats for not being appreciated - just because he’s white; for not being loved- just because he is a male; and not being accepted - because of his limited education and blue-collar status.
This individual has no worthwhile convictions but does hate. This is coupled with a narcissistic blend along with paranoid trends.In this case, his causes are based on religion and politics. He deified the cause; the cause is his ideal which gives him a sense of life and meaning for his submission. He identifies with this ideal which he has inflated and made it into an absolute.
Individuals that belong to hate groups that participated in the January 6 riot and insurrection are good fits.They were true loyalists, followers, obedient, submitting and pleasing their idol. He directed and they obeyed regardless of consequences.They had to be loyal servants as it would be a crime or sin not to. Just like the story of the Israelites following Moses across the sea. We saw them yelling, screaming ,fighting,using flags as weapons, tearing down barriers and attacking the Capital police.Their cold, hateful manner was explicitly evident as they took pictures of themselves and others attacking.They were obedient to Trump and he was their Messiah .They followed his irrational directive . They believed that their actions would keep them free of consequences.
Some individuals that are not vaccinated present a different picture. The Amish or individuals that have been displaced by natural disasters are likely another story. However, a number of individuals from states with Republican governors like Tennessee,South Dakota,Florida, Mississippi and Arkansas claim freedom. That suggests something very different about their character. It should be noted that there are characterological extremes although everyone exhibits some degree of authoritarian tendencies.A few examples were told to me.”Those non vaccinated received some form of government assistance and/or have great employment benefits as a result of union membership”.They did not credit or understand that these policies were the result of Democratic legislation. It didn’t seem to register that Trump’s policies were contrary to the welfare of our Republic as a whole.
Trump talked about change, corruption of the system, unfairness, fake news, etc. His talk was just a subterfuge that provided a mask for this TV entertainer. The underlying motive for this charlatan was simply to line his pockets with gold and power. He said the Charlottesville haters were good people and he loved the people attacking the capital. That’s not love. The cognitive dissonance that these people experienced was fully evident duringTrumps pro-vaccine remark .Those reacting provide excellent examples of having an authoritarian character structure.
In summation, our Republic is infected with individuals that have an Authoritarian character structure. Instead of submission ,domination Sadomasochistic behaviors, paranoid opinions and erroneous convictions, we require a very different character structure. Our Republic requires skeptics that can confront fiction, illusion and primitive thinking. Our Republic requires individuals to say no to lies and an immoral consensus.Our Republic requires individuals to be independent and not to be a servant to some paranoid narcissistic criminal. Our Republic is sick as demonstrated by our ineffective Congress.Our Republic requires assistance to function, In a healthy manner ,in this insane world of ours.
Reference
Fromm Erich. Escape From Freedom, Avon Books.
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