“The American Authoritarian Mindset: Understanding Our Nation’s Path to Oppression”
Introduction
The American authoritarian mindset is a concept that has been studied and discussed for decades. George Lakoff’s research underscores my writing about authoritarianism. Lakoff has retired as Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Science and Linguistics at the University of California at Berkeley. He is now the Director of the Center for the Neural Mind & Society.
Moral Politics
Lakoff published Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think in 2002. In it, his theory of how we think politically is embedded in two models of the family. Conservatism is based on a Strict Father model, while liberalism is centered on a Nurturant Parent model. These two systems give rise to different moral outlooks.
I wrote in my book, The Trump Files how Lakoff’s moral politics is used to explain Donald Trump’s moral beliefs. When we discuss authoritarianism, Lakoff’s theory postulates that children raised in a Strict Father model tend toward authoritarianism on a polarity scale.
Donald Trump was raised in a family with a strict father. It was world of only winners or losers. The strict father, Fred Trump, manifested only winning in his family, at any cost. A second philosophy of life in the Trump family was positive thinking. Everything is always alright. Lying, cheating and fraud are part of Trump’s family life in order to always win. Authoritarians exhibit all of these behaviors.
Childrearing and Authoritarianism
Christopher Federico, Stanley Feldman and Christopher Weber have developed an authoritarian scale. It is based on survey questions about childhood traits parents would like to see in their offspring. Childhood traits to choose from include four pairs of words. They are independence or respect for elders, curiosity or good manners, self-reliance or obedience, and being considerate or well-behaved. Their theory is reported in their article Advancing the Measurement of Authoritarianism in Political Behavior, May 2021.
They considered the current context of democratic decline. They felt it was important to find out how authoritarianism could be measured. They found that childrearing measures could tap into the nature of authoritarianism. The researchers developed a simple method that excluded explicit political content. It included four items that ask people to choose between pairs of desirable qualities in children:
Although there are a number of qualities that people think children should have, every person thinks that some are more important than others. Although you may feel that both qualities are important, please tell me which one of each pair you think is more important for a child to have.
Engelhardt, A.M., Feldman, S. & Hetherington, M.J. Advancing the Measurement of Authoritarianism. Polit Behav 45, 537–560 (2023).
- 1.Would you say that it is more important for a child to be INDEPENDENT or RESPECTFUL OF THEIR ELDERS?
- 2.Would you say that it is more important for a child to be OBEDIENT or SELF-RELIANT?
- 3.Would you say that it is more important for a child to be WELL-BEHAVED or CONSIDERATE?
- 4.Would you say that it is more important for a child to be CURIOUS or GOOD MANNERED?
The measure is strongly associated with a range of attitudes. These range from racial attitudes to support for democracy to women’s equality to LGBT to immigration.
We can see a connection between Lakoff’s moral politics of family, and Engelhardt’s, Feldman’s and Hetherington’s identification of desirable qualities in children’s childrearing.
Progressivism vs Authoritarianism
in 1976, I co-authored Loving and Beyond: Science Teaching for the Humanistic Classroom with Joe Abruscato, a dear friend, co-doctoral researcher, and life-long colleague. This was the first of three books (Whole Cosmos Catalogue of Science and The Earthpeople Book) we published from 1976-1978 focusing on humanistic science education.
Humanistic education is based on a progressive worldview theory, while efforts to reform education are based on an authoritarian model. Lakoff’s theory of the Strict Father model vs the Nurturant Parent model furthered my understanding of authoritarianism. My writing about authoritarianism began more than 15 years ago on this blog, focusing on its effect on American public education.
Authoritarianism is a mindset that is characterized by a strong belief in the power of authority and a tendency to support the status quo. This mindset is often seen in the United States, where it is deeply rooted in the nation’s history and culture. It is a mindset that has been used to justify oppressive policies and practices, and it has been linked to a range of social and political issues.
This post will explore the concept of the American Authoritarian Mindset, its history, and its implications for the present and future.
Roots of the American Authoritarian Mindset
The United States of America has a long and complex history of authoritarianism, which has profoundly shaped the country’s political landscape. From the earliest days of the nation’s founding, isolationism, anti-Semitism, fascism, and the glorification of violence have all played a role in the development of the American authoritarianism.
Isolationism has been a factor in the American political landscape since the nation’s founding. Before both world wars, the United States sought to remain separate from the rest of the world, both politically and economically. This has led to a tendency to view foreign nations and cultures with suspicion and distrust and to prioritize domestic interests over international ones. This has also led to a reluctance to engage in international diplomacy and a preference for unilateral action. World War II, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, brought America out of its “America First” foreign policy. Trump and the Republican party revived the policy, as we witnessed in Trump’s four-year term.
Anti-Semitism has also been another factor in the American political landscape. Antisemitism means prejudice against or hatred of Jews. In the United States, antisemitic incidents continue to rise yearly. Hatred of Jews can take many forms, including violent attacks. It also appears in daily life (US Holocaust Memorial Museum) From the earliest days of the nation’s founding, Jews have been viewed with suspicion and distrust. This has led to a tendency to view Jews as outsiders and to deny them access to certain rights and privileges. This has also led to a tendency to view Jews as a threat to the nation’s security and to view them as a source of economic and political instability.
Fascism has also been a major factor in the American political landscape. Since the early 20th century, the United States has tended to view authoritarianism as a desirable form of government. This has led to a tendency to view strong leaders as desirable and dissent as threatening the nation’s security. This has also led to a tendency to view the use of violence as a legitimate means of achieving political goals. Established in Italy by Benito Mussolini, Italian fascism was a militaristic movement glorifying war and armed conflict. Some republicans have suggested violence might be the way to get their way. Trump has already used violence to try and get his way.
Fascism arises through a cult of violence involving a worship of authority. Donald Trump has been compared to Mussolini, especially the night he escaped from a hospital after falling ill with COVID-19. On a balcony at the White House, he puffed out his chest and told everyone he beat the disease. He also told his followers not to let COVID-19 control them.
Glorification of Violence. Finally, the glorification of violence has been a major factor in the American political landscape. From the earliest days of the nation’s founding, violence has been viewed as a legitimate means of achieving political goals. This has led to a tendency to view violence as a necessary tool for achieving political objectives and to view those who oppose violence as weak and cowardly. Donald Trump encouraged violence at his rallies, thereby giving license to his followers to see violence as patriotic.
Frank Summers, in his paper in Psychoanalytic Inquiry, provides a brief psychological history of America’s glorification of violence. He says:
To raise the question of whether America glorifies violence to already recognize an intimate connection between the United States and the commission of violence. The United States is one of the most violent countries in the world as measured by homicide rates and the most violent among the industrialized nations…The glorification of violence in America emanates from the country’s need to see itself as not only morally superior but also as the strongest military force ever assembled.
The roots of the American authoritarian mindset are deep and complex. Isolationism, anti-Semitism, fascism, and the glorification of violence have all played a role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Understanding these roots is essential for understanding the current state of American politics and for developing strategies for creating a more inclusive and multiracial society.
Plots to Overthrow America’s Democracy
Throughout history, numerous conspiracy theories and allegations of plots to overthrow America’s democracy have emerged. Some of these claims are based on real events while others are rooted in speculation and misinformation. Here are a few notable examples:
- The Burr Conspiracy (1804-1807): Former Vice President Aaron Burr was accused of planning to establish an independent nation in the southwestern parts of the United States. Although Burr was acquitted of treason charges, the incident raised concerns about potential threats to American democracy.
- The Business Plot (1933): Also known as the Wall Street Putsch, this alleged conspiracy involved wealthy businessmen, including some industrialists and bankers, supposedly planning a coup against President Franklin D. Roosevelt. A McCormack-Dickstein Committee investigated the claims, and largely dismissed the idea. Others have objected and said it could have happened.
- German American Bund: The German American Bund emerged in the 1930s, a period that tested the fabric of American democracy. Many, like the Bund, saw European fascism and Nazism as models that could and should be emulated in the United States. 1930s America was also a place of deep anti-Semitism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and racial segregation. Millions of Americans belonged to the KKK, including dozens of members of Congress. Headquartered in the Yorkville neighborhood on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the Bund was organized into over 50 districts nationwide and made great efforts to appeal to families and children, running summer camps nationwide. The isolationist sentiments of the Bund’s leader, Fritz Kuhn, known as “The American Fuhrer,” aligned with the ideas of “America Firsters,” including Charles Lindbergh, who pushed to keep the United States out of the war in Europe by fanning nativist sentiment. Ultimately, the Bund opposed democracy and believed government was best when organized hierarchically, with a powerful dictator at the top. Fritz Kuhn and the Rise and Fall of the German-American Bund can be viewed on all PBS platforms.
4. Operation Northwoods (1962): This controversial plan, proposed by the U.S. Department of Defense, suggested staged acts of violence, including hijacking planes, as a pretext for military intervention in Cuba. While the plan was never approved or carried out, its revelation sparked debates regarding potential government involvement in undermining democracy.
5. The Watergate Scandal (1972-1974): Though not a direct plot to overthrow the government, the Watergate scandal involved illegal activities by members of President Richard Nixon’s administration. The subsequent cover-up and abuse of power ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability in a democratic system.
6. The 2016 Election Russian Interference Scandal: In recent years, claims of various plots to overthrow America’s democracy have emerged from different political perspectives. These allegations often revolve around election interference, foreign influence, and systemic issues, fueling debates and investigations to ensure the integrity of democratic processes.
7. The Donald Trump January 6 Plot of Election Malfeasance: using the playbook of other strongmen or authoritarians, President Trump led a conspiracy to overthrow the 2020 Presidential Election. The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol released their final report on December 22, 2022. The report provided ample data for the Justice Department’s Special Prosecutor, Jack Smith to indict Trump for trying to overthrow the election.
The Rise of the Strongman
In recent years, the United States has seen a rise in the appeal of authoritarianism. This trend has been driven by a variety of factors, including economic insecurity, a lack of trust in government, and a desire for strong leadership.
one of the leading scholars on authoritarians or strongmen is Ruth Ben-Ghiat, professor of history and Italian studies at New York University. She explains what she means in the context of strongmen lurking in our neighborhoods:
OURS IS THE AGE OF THE STRONGMAN, of heads of state like Berlusconi and Putin who damage or destroy democracy and use masculinity as a tool of political legitimacy. In America, Turkey, Brazil, and other geopolitically important nations, such rulers have exploited their countries’ resources to satisfy their greed and obstructed efforts to combat climate change. Their dependence on corruption and censorship and their neglect of the public good mean that they handle national crises badly and often bring ruin upon their people. How to combat this authoritarian ascendance is one of the most pressing matters of our time.
Ben-Ghiat, Ruth. Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present (p. 4). W. W. Norton & Company. Kindle Edition.
The rise of authoritarianism in the United States can be attributed to a number of factors. Economic insecurity has been a major factor in the rise of authoritarianism. Many Americans have seen their economic security erode in recent years, leading them to seek out strong leaders who can provide stability and security. Additionally, a lack of trust in government has led many to seek out strong leaders who can provide a sense of order and control. Finally, a desire for strong leadership has led many to seek out authoritarian figures who can provide decisive action and clear direction.
Donald Trump has lied and muscled to become the strongman of the Republican party. Trumpism ferments the characteristics of a fascist movement. Using corruption, propaganda, machismo, and conspiracy theories, Trump has waged a nearly ten year war on American democracy.
The implications of the rise of authoritarianism in the United States are far-reaching. Authoritarianism can lead to a decrease in civil liberties, a disregard for the rule of law, and a focus on maintaining order and stability at the expense of individual rights. Additionally, authoritarianism can lead to a decrease in economic growth and an increase in inequality.
In conclusion, the rise of authoritarianism in the United States is a troubling trend that has far-reaching implications. It is important to understand the factors driving this trend and to be aware of the potential consequences. By understanding the appeal of authoritarianism and its implications, we can work to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that our civil liberties are protected.
The Impact of Authoritarianism on Social and Political Discourse?
Authoritarianism is a form of government in which a single leader or group of leaders holds absolute power over the people. In the United States, authoritarianism has had a profound impact on social and political discourse. Will Americans allow this to happen. Will they stand by, or will they stand up to the likes of Trump.
The American authoritarian mindset has had a significant impact on the way people interact with one another. Authoritarianism encourages a top-down approach to decision-making, where the leader or leaders have the final say in all matters. This has led to a culture of deference to authority, where people are less likely to challenge the status quo or express dissenting opinions. This has had a chilling effect on social discourse, as people are less likely to engage in meaningful dialogue or debate.
The leading contender for the Republican nomination for president has been convicted of rape and sexual assault, business fraud in New York, charged with 92 felonies in four indictments in New York, Florida, Georgia and Washington D.C. What does it tell us about the nature of American politics in 2024. In Ruth Ben-Ghiat’s book, Strongmen, its not unusual that authoritarian strongmen have been convicted of crimes but still end up holding the reins of power in their country.
The histories of the emergence of strongmen including Benito Mussolini, Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Silvio Berlusconi, Nahrendra Modi and others mirror the emergence of Donald Trump as a fascist-type authoritarian who has already been president. It’s not unusual for authoritarians to lose power, only to regain it in a future election. Remember the attack on the Capitol was to keep Trump in office, even though he lost in a landslide. What will happen if he’s on the ballot in November and he looses again to Joe Biden? Also, what will happen if the Supreme court decides that Trump is not immune to prosecution, and/or that he can not be on the ballot to run for President?
Finally, the authoritarian mindset has had a major impact on the way people view the government. Trump has already promised that he will be a dictator for the first day if he is elected. Authoritarianism encourages a view of the government as an all-powerful entity that should not be questioned or challenged. This has led to a culture of distrust and suspicion, where people are less likely to trust the government or believe in its ability to protect their rights and freedoms. This has had a major impact on the way people view the government and its policies, as they are less likely to support or engage with them. When we worked with Soviet & Russian researchers and teachers in the 1980s through 2000, there was an emergence of a fledging democracy. The people I met and worked with in Russia experienced the change from authoritarians controlled by the Communist Party, to a glasnost & perestroika environment of change initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev. All that disappeared after Putin walked into power. He bombed the hell out of Chechnya, invaded part of Soviet Georgia, and is waging a brutal war against an independent Ukraine.
In conclusion, the American authoritarianism has had a profound impact on social and political discourse in the United States, not only now, but in the past, as pointed out earlier in this post. It has encouraged a culture of deference to authority, obedience, and conformity, which has had a chilling effect on social and political dialogue. As we have also reported, childhood and family life contributes to emergence of minds that accept authoritarianism or progressive thought. It has also led to a culture of distrust and suspicion, where people are less likely to trust the government or believe in its ability to protect their rights and freedoms. As a result, the American authoritarianism has had a major impact on the way people interact with one another and view the government.
Call to Action
The American authoritarian mindset is a complex phenomenon shaped by various factors, including the nation’s history, culture, and political system. It is a mindset that is deeply rooted in the nation’s past and is still very much alive today.
We are in the midst of the 2024 election, and there might be an authoritarian on the Republican ticket again. Citizens must understand that Trump is a danger because he has embodied authoritarianism and has already shown how he will break the guardrails of democracy in order to achieve a fascist government.
During his presidency, he started as a loser, beaten by more than 3 million votes to Hilary Clinton. He lost in his second run by more than 7 million votes. He told the Big Lie by denying he lost and that the election was stolen. It almost was, but Trump and thousands of allies stormed to the Capitol to stop the Electoral count vote.
As citizens, we must go out of our way to share what authoritarianism is with family, colleagues, and friends. We need to remind them that Trump undermined many departments of government, especially the EPA. His chief COVID-19 advisor, Dr. Deborah Birx, said that Trump’s incompetence and science denial caused several hundred thousand American deaths.
Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election, and in my reading of Mueller’s report, Trump should have been charged with crimes. He got off scot-free. And then he was impeached twice for bribery and for causing an insurrection to pull off a coup.
We need to challenge the press. They need to seek the truth when comparing candidates running for president (or any other elected office). If they write an article comparing Trump to Haley, they need to explain the difference between these two, not simply what they say they’ll do in office, but what they have done in the past that give us clues to their character and whether they would support a democratic society. Too often, the main press and media equate Trump to his opponent. The press needs to remind people that this guy tried to overthrow the government of the United States. Every thread of our being should oppose him.
Finally, we must support election officials and look for ways to encourage and help people to vote. And remember that John Lewis said “the vote is precious, almost sacred.”
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