A common term for this personality type is bully. I agree withe those in the thread that believe that bullies spawn bullies. It's a ( sick) fun place with alota laughs (at others' expense). Who wouldn't want to join (she said sarcastically)?
We must look to un-do these smart alecs dominating our streets & thoroughfares. Having lived with bullies, I suggest you just truthfully conjure up one summary question here & there. Ask in a neutral voice. And continue to look deeply in their eyes as they offer an excuse/ explanation for their behavior. When they say inevitably " it's was just a joke!!!". Before accepting that, mutter two words ( neutrally, with curiosity) --- "how, so?". And wait patiently for them to explain their folly. Often works. Keep " how, so?" in you back pocket.
We, on the streets of America must un-do these bullies one-by-one. Underneath your common bully is a coward, waiting to be called out.
What a great thread, this week runs the full course. Some great thoughts / experiences. I must say, I do not share in any optimism. Jason Stanley, Yale, has been lecturing, using the title, "Preparing for a Fascist America." He, and many other highly capable, distinguished scholars, are giving a very clear warning. I am firmly in that camp. I would be very careful with anyone who suggests that pro-authoritarian dispositions are "innate." I know of no Developmental Psychologist that would support that. I would find a study suggesting that, folly. It would be clearly learned behavior.
Quashing the dangerous rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. cannot be accomplished simply by triumphing over demagogues like Trump (or the even more dangerous Ron DeSantis).
Authoritarian expert/political psychologist Karen Stenner estimates that nearly one-third of our population is pro-authoritarian (intolerant and frightened of those who reject their accepted norms and traditions) and will seek leaders who will rigidly enforce their norms and traditions — even if this means depriving others of rights and punishing them for non-conforming.
What is most unsettling is that Stenner believes that the pro-authoritarian disposition is partly innate and partly heritable. (Personality tests were conducted on twins separated at birth). In other words, encouraging pro-authoritarians to embrace diversity or demonstrating the benefits of liberal democracy is about as likely as convincing non-authoritarians about the virtues of ChristoFascism.
Stenner warns us that even if our best case scenario prevails and we once again thwart authoritarianism, we will not be returning to liberal democracy, but to something new — multicultural liberal democracy. And this, coupled with the fact that the white traditionalist population is faltering — will provoke even more existential terror in that population.
Our best hope may be for social scientists to find ways we can assure this population in its own language that its existence is not threatened and it can enjoy its norms and traditions, provided it does not attempt to impose them on others. We may need to reduce our urges to “re-educate” them and to scold them for speaking scornfully about those who are different, for the more they feel pressured, controlled, and overwhelmed, the more likely they will respond violently.
They are already arming and militarizing. Malcolm Nance, a terrorism expert studying domestic violence, recently warned that their threats to “use the guns” are dangerously accelerating in social media.
Our first goal, of course, is to rescue our dying democracy and enact sweeping laws to protect it going forward (and neuter the SCOTUS radicals). But after that, we have to find ways to quell the fears of one-third of our population.
They’re not going to go away. They’re not going to become us. So how do we help them adjust to a multicultural liberal democracy and feel safe? And included? Is this possible when their propaganda outlets, churches, and leaders are telling them we are dangerous and evil every day?
Finding a solution is our only hope going forward.
"...devoted elite and grassroots followers eventually equalize", in the narcissist's mind.
We have to change strategies to focus on the narcissist's mindset, because to them -- this is a chess game. Like in chess, focus on the mindset of your opponent to eventually win.
Aggravating, .... but necessary. It's all they focus on 24/7, or 14 hours in the case of one senator. Many Trump/GOP-ers could fit this profile. Beware, and look to outsmart them. It's now systemic across the country. I try to deal in empathy, but if I detect one of these losers, I switch gears. 109 days until November midterms.
Hey folks, see if you can pinpoint the individual that has succumbed to relentless propaganda. Remember to use the tools: Strongmen and How Fascism Works. If you’re not diligent in learning about Fascism, you’ll become a part of it. This example is textbook. Our greatest strength is knowledge and discernment.
Ruth, If you paid this kind of attention to the REAL existential threats to democracy we would have a secure southern border, less government regulation, and safe cities, etc...you know the list and it's endless. Maybe Democrats should come clean about the Russian Collusion attempted coup, the total BS impeachments. Those are the hearings I will be watching after the house and hopefully the senate flip. The threats from the left place just about every aspect of the freedoms enjoyed by my ancestors at risk. The past 2 years have been the best illustration yet of the insanity that befalls the nation every time Dems have power. Trump is an ass but wat the greatest president of my lifetime. He stood for what is important to the US and he successfully fought to protect us from you and those who are drooling on themselves watching the hearings, overcome by Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Ruth, do you expect Trump's elite and grassroots followers to ever reach the understanding that Trump is loyal to no one? He's thrown everyone from his mentor to his VP under the bus, yet everyone seems to believe that their situation will be different.
I think what we saw last night is that while Trump's actions (or inactions) were the prime mover of the J6 terrorist attack, there is more than enough culpability to go around with his enablers and co-conspirators. Democracy will not be safe until they are all held to account, whether acting to overthrow the government like Giuliani, Trump, Flynn and Bannon; or acting to protect Trump like Mike Lee. The rot goes very deep in what is still benignly referred to as the Republican Party.
A common term for this personality type is bully. I agree withe those in the thread that believe that bullies spawn bullies. It's a ( sick) fun place with alota laughs (at others' expense). Who wouldn't want to join (she said sarcastically)?
We must look to un-do these smart alecs dominating our streets & thoroughfares. Having lived with bullies, I suggest you just truthfully conjure up one summary question here & there. Ask in a neutral voice. And continue to look deeply in their eyes as they offer an excuse/ explanation for their behavior. When they say inevitably " it's was just a joke!!!". Before accepting that, mutter two words ( neutrally, with curiosity) --- "how, so?". And wait patiently for them to explain their folly. Often works. Keep " how, so?" in you back pocket.
We, on the streets of America must un-do these bullies one-by-one. Underneath your common bully is a coward, waiting to be called out.
What a great thread, this week runs the full course. Some great thoughts / experiences. I must say, I do not share in any optimism. Jason Stanley, Yale, has been lecturing, using the title, "Preparing for a Fascist America." He, and many other highly capable, distinguished scholars, are giving a very clear warning. I am firmly in that camp. I would be very careful with anyone who suggests that pro-authoritarian dispositions are "innate." I know of no Developmental Psychologist that would support that. I would find a study suggesting that, folly. It would be clearly learned behavior.
Quashing the dangerous rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. cannot be accomplished simply by triumphing over demagogues like Trump (or the even more dangerous Ron DeSantis).
Authoritarian expert/political psychologist Karen Stenner estimates that nearly one-third of our population is pro-authoritarian (intolerant and frightened of those who reject their accepted norms and traditions) and will seek leaders who will rigidly enforce their norms and traditions — even if this means depriving others of rights and punishing them for non-conforming.
What is most unsettling is that Stenner believes that the pro-authoritarian disposition is partly innate and partly heritable. (Personality tests were conducted on twins separated at birth). In other words, encouraging pro-authoritarians to embrace diversity or demonstrating the benefits of liberal democracy is about as likely as convincing non-authoritarians about the virtues of ChristoFascism.
Stenner warns us that even if our best case scenario prevails and we once again thwart authoritarianism, we will not be returning to liberal democracy, but to something new — multicultural liberal democracy. And this, coupled with the fact that the white traditionalist population is faltering — will provoke even more existential terror in that population.
Our best hope may be for social scientists to find ways we can assure this population in its own language that its existence is not threatened and it can enjoy its norms and traditions, provided it does not attempt to impose them on others. We may need to reduce our urges to “re-educate” them and to scold them for speaking scornfully about those who are different, for the more they feel pressured, controlled, and overwhelmed, the more likely they will respond violently.
They are already arming and militarizing. Malcolm Nance, a terrorism expert studying domestic violence, recently warned that their threats to “use the guns” are dangerously accelerating in social media.
Our first goal, of course, is to rescue our dying democracy and enact sweeping laws to protect it going forward (and neuter the SCOTUS radicals). But after that, we have to find ways to quell the fears of one-third of our population.
They’re not going to go away. They’re not going to become us. So how do we help them adjust to a multicultural liberal democracy and feel safe? And included? Is this possible when their propaganda outlets, churches, and leaders are telling them we are dangerous and evil every day?
Finding a solution is our only hope going forward.
"...devoted elite and grassroots followers eventually equalize", in the narcissist's mind.
We have to change strategies to focus on the narcissist's mindset, because to them -- this is a chess game. Like in chess, focus on the mindset of your opponent to eventually win.
Aggravating, .... but necessary. It's all they focus on 24/7, or 14 hours in the case of one senator. Many Trump/GOP-ers could fit this profile. Beware, and look to outsmart them. It's now systemic across the country. I try to deal in empathy, but if I detect one of these losers, I switch gears. 109 days until November midterms.
“ as devoted elite and grassroots followers eventually realize. “ did they though? Today’s Senate May as well be Emperor Caligula’s Senate.
Hey folks, see if you can pinpoint the individual that has succumbed to relentless propaganda. Remember to use the tools: Strongmen and How Fascism Works. If you’re not diligent in learning about Fascism, you’ll become a part of it. This example is textbook. Our greatest strength is knowledge and discernment.
I wonder how much more delusional a state of mind Trump was in, following his severe COVID in October 2020.
Ruth, If you paid this kind of attention to the REAL existential threats to democracy we would have a secure southern border, less government regulation, and safe cities, etc...you know the list and it's endless. Maybe Democrats should come clean about the Russian Collusion attempted coup, the total BS impeachments. Those are the hearings I will be watching after the house and hopefully the senate flip. The threats from the left place just about every aspect of the freedoms enjoyed by my ancestors at risk. The past 2 years have been the best illustration yet of the insanity that befalls the nation every time Dems have power. Trump is an ass but wat the greatest president of my lifetime. He stood for what is important to the US and he successfully fought to protect us from you and those who are drooling on themselves watching the hearings, overcome by Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Ruth, do you expect Trump's elite and grassroots followers to ever reach the understanding that Trump is loyal to no one? He's thrown everyone from his mentor to his VP under the bus, yet everyone seems to believe that their situation will be different.
I think what we saw last night is that while Trump's actions (or inactions) were the prime mover of the J6 terrorist attack, there is more than enough culpability to go around with his enablers and co-conspirators. Democracy will not be safe until they are all held to account, whether acting to overthrow the government like Giuliani, Trump, Flynn and Bannon; or acting to protect Trump like Mike Lee. The rot goes very deep in what is still benignly referred to as the Republican Party.