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
No comments:
Post a Comment