Dr. Snyder, your voice has kept me sane since before the election of 2016, and I do not say that lightly. I am a member of the clergy, and have been studying civil society and totalitarian systems for many years. I was in Romania in 2001, working among some local church partners in the ethnic Hungarian minority, at a time of heightened nationalism and ethnic tension in the country, most especially in the city of Cluj. My two older children, then 8 and 10, were with me there, and we had many conversations about these issues. On 9/11, we were deep in the Transylvanian countryside, nestled among friends who cared for us as we learned the shocking news. I remember someone saying to me, "Watch now, your President will use this to gain power."
My children and I returned to the United States just after Sept. 11, as soon as we could travel again. As we drove home from the San Francisco airport and saw giant American flags flying everywhere, my son said, "This looks just like Cluj!" I remember my concern over the rapid use of nationalistic images to bolster the security state here in the months that followed. My Hungarian friend's prediction started unfolding. I tried to talk about what I was observing, but I felt like an outlier in so many places, the overwrought Cassandra who kept talking about cabals and the rising autocratic trends.
And now, my Hungarian friends have largely fallen under Orban's sway, especially those in Romania, and some of those friendships have been ruptured, including the very family with whom we were living in 2001. Those friends told me how much they admired President Trump, and that I should too. Autocracy's ugliness seems to be everywhere, emboldened by our own failures in the U.S. And here at home, the people who thought I was exaggerating in 2004 and laughed when I said Trump would win the 2016 election-the same people thanked me during Trump's presidency for lifting up your writings, and on January 6 said, "Oh my god you were right!" Well, those folks are now telling me once again that our institutions will prevail, that we just need to give President Biden time, that the Democrats will prosecute, that the center will hold.
It's so heartbreaking to watch this willful denial. I'm so grateful for historians like yourself, and for the brave journalists all over the world. But it's your voice that has been a rope to the barn for me during this long blizzard. Your writing and lectures remind me that someone far more knowledgeable than me is sounding the alarm ever more loudly. I am so afraid that we won't listen, and that our democracy will indeed fail. Thank you for your clarity and tenacity-we need you more than ever.
Well, in actual fact, a week ago I dreamed about Viktor Orban. I used to know him well, we were both members of the underground political movement, the samizdat culture and the opposition that has split into many factions since then just like Anne Applebaum tells us in Twilight. Anyway, I was shouting at him and telling him how he had betrayed each and every idea that we held dear more than thirty years ago. I was beside myself with fury and when I finished he crouched in a corner and started to cry. Now, we suspect that he is not terribly stable and he clearly went to pieces in my dream, so I crouched down to him and started consoling him as you would a young child or someone who has deep psychological problems. I left Hungary as a political refugee, was back in Budapest as a BBC correspondent, but I have never had a dream like this. It's uncanny that several of us should have politically motivated dreams these days, probably shows how deeply troubled we are about what is happening in our respective countries, even at a subliminal, Freudian level...
Elizabeth, it is still so bizarre to me how much Orban changed. And yet my own friends, dear dear friends with whom I had worked to build civil society institutions in Transylvania, have fallen completely under his sway. And so I see that a person's worldview can be radically altered by autocratic fear-mongering. But I remain sorrowful that these friends are behind some new sort of curtain now. In 2008 I was given the honorary designation of Tiszteletbeli Szekely in Szekelyudvarhely for my work there, and now these friends and colleagues will not even speak to me, our political differences are so great. I did not think I was naive about what humans can convince themselves to believe, but perhaps I was. I think often about the old friends there in the Szekelyfold, and our dreams of building civic institutions after the fall of the regime, and how quickly the common view of the Soros Foundation went from a beloved hope for the future to some kind of demonic force. I dream all the time about some strange mixture of my life here and the villages I love there, and there is always some terrible presence stalking us all.
Cecilia, it is incredible, indeed. Anne Applebaum is talking about something very similar in Poland. It is nightmarish. Orban and the FIDESZ were our hope, because they were young, energetic, had a great sense of humor and look at them now... I am devastated because I invested so much in the political changes and a multi-party system. Aged 69, I don't even know if I will be around for a meaningful political turn. Everything's been stolen, land, property, universities, the situation of the Roma is hopeless (mind you, they often vote for Orban)... The campaign against Soros is another disgrace... However, as I often say, we only have one life and need to live it meaningfully. Interestingly, positive psychologists believe that a meaningful life leads to happiness. So, I can't complain...
Thank you for writing this. As a child of survivors of Hitler and Stalin, I share your distress and urgency. Americans are blessed and cursed by never having to experience that kind of crushing tyranny. Have you considered a meeting with Joe Manchin and the handful of non-Trumpist Republicans in the Senate to share your well-founded urgency? You are someone who can help them understand that their legacy, their children's and their grandchildren's futures hang on what they do in this perilous moment. That they have in their power to save our democracy, and if they don't act, it will collapse, as history teaches. It's their duty as Senators, Americans, and parents to stop the rapid backslide moving like an avalanche across the country, by casting one vote. They can and must pass national standards for a floor of voting rights. Protecting the filibuster over democracy itself will look like an absurd dream when the nightmare becomes reality.
Please, please keep talking. There are many of us out here who are listening. Before 2016, I never thought much about elections for county-level offices, although I always voted. Now I'm donating to these candidates and volunteering in their campaigns. You taught me why it's important.
Thank you Professor Snyder for articulating the horror of watching people choose ignorance. I have had a similar dream right when trump got elected where I was in a slow-motion bus crash and all the people closest to me were creepily smiling and trying to pretend the bus was not in flames and careening off a cliff-- and that they supported that destruction. but shouldn't we play some cards and can't we still be friends....? This is very hard to live through but I am confident your example and education have helped us avoid the worst and I hope will keep us free. I am wondering if the 22 states canceling federal unemployment aid are going to see backlash from those voters, or if we're really that far down the Russia/India/China-propaganda style politics with the R party. My heart breaks for the taxpayers getting the rug pulled out on them so that companies are ensured cheap labor... we're always told that we can't afford it, or it will hurt the economy- but these states are literally rejecting $12B to force people to work... so their taxes can continue to subsidize our "free market" oligarchy. SAD.
What is to be done when we play by the rules and a large minority of folks are willing to break every rule? In 2016 I was telling my friends that the country was closer to chaos than anytime since 1859. I wonder now if it’s more like the winter of 1860?
People can be steered away from the Big Lie. I am Social Worker in rural North Carolina - aka Trump country - and I know many people who believe the Big Lie. I have been able to steer several people away from the Big Lie by building relationships with them in the real-world that extend beyond the political sphere. We discuss sports, music, events, etc. I have found that after we have established trusting relationships with another, people are more inclined to hear and accept opposing viewpoints. It all starts and ends with trust; the belief that the other person is a good-faith actor. We have to trust one another again, but we cannot build trust over a screen. It must be done in the real-world at the local, community level. I am not ready to succumb to despair quite yet.
I too engage. Often I sense they walk away feeling grateful someone on the other side talked with them. I've found most discussions start with them asking me I think the way we do? It's a "tell" of how they actually are questioning their beliefs just a bit.
People with anti-social feelings are fearful and aware that others are not. If healthy, you can expect higher level thinking (PFC) to consciously moderate innate fear and so will reach out when feeling safe to do so.
“Remember, that Countries, just like with people, it’s easy, to let the best of yourself slip away”-Bruce Springsteen.
This is what has happened to Mitch McConnel and todays Republican Party. The best is gone, they have let themselves go to seed. What remains is Oligarchy, Conspiracy Theories,Fascist tendencies of Big Lies, intimidation, social division, and sadly the sewing political violence. It ought not be this way. So I think Dr. Snyder, your substack, books, articles, lectures, and dreams have a lot in common with Woody Guthrie’s guitar.
After reading the Statement of Concern on June 1, I had a short political dream that night. In it a US Senator was walking away and suddenly I just lost it and started screaming after him. My reaction felt wrong for a moment but my anger did not care. It is one of the only times I can remember ever dreaming about politics. So it was very interesting to read this piece here today. Thank you.
At a similar time in our history, on June 1st, 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith said to the country, and to her party in a "Declaration of Conscience"...
"The Democratic administration has greatly lost the confidence of the American people by its complacency to the threat of communism and the leak of vital secrets to Russia through key officials of the Democratic administration. There are enough proved cases to make this point without diluting our criticism with unproved charges.
Surely these are sufficient reasons to make it clear to the American people that it is time for a change and that a Republican victory is necessary to the security of this country. Surely it is clear that this nation will continue to suffer as long as it is governed by the present ineffective Democratic Administration.
Yet to displace it with a Republican regime embracing a philosophy that lacks political integrity or intellectual honesty would prove equally disastrous to this nation. The nation sorely needs a Republican victory. But I don't want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny -- Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry and Smear.
I doubt if the Republican Party could -- simply because I don't believe the American people will uphold any political party that puts political exploitation above national interest."
Your writing, lectures and your direct-to-camera YouTube talks have been a tremendously helpful source of historical context, extraordinary and at the same time accessible critical thinking, all offered in a deeply human way that reflects not just intellect but also compassion. I immediately shared this piece with many others, with my only comment being "what.he.said." As someone whose analysis and felt sense led me to predict a coup attempt with the mobilization of Q-Anon followers, I resonate with your dream and with your decision to share it. I didn't want to be right - I wanted to sound a clarion call - and I continue to feel that way. Thank you for using your voice and your position of respect and visibility to these deep concerns and the implications of what we are experiencing.
Dr. Snyder, I very much appreciate your voice and books and concern. Is skirting generations and the lore of our falsehoods really promoting the good spirit of your readership? Can we see clearly through the dust, and fog and commotion of our time without clearly confronting our big lies? Did “We” discover “America”; how far back has “White is right, and Christianity is right…”? And presently, per your above 911 lead in, is the great assumption that it happened as “The (blank) Commission” says it did, the right place to begin? It really doesn’t take much common sense with the documented events clearly within our grasp to ask “Really?” When our common sense is denied and “proven” wrong, is it not within reason to expect future events to be fact-less? Yes, T has his big rotten lie(s), but do you belie your sincerity with your assumptions? Sorry, as I could be wrong with the “levels” and “degrees of” and “where should we start first” stuff. Return to your drawing board, but continue your direction.
Dr. Snyder, I very much appreciate your voice and books and concern. Is skirting generations and the lore of our falsehoods really promoting the good spirit of your readership? Can we see clearly through the dust, and fog and commotion of our time without clearly confronting our big lies? Did “We” discover “America”; how far back has “White is right, and Christianity is right…”? And presently, per your above 911 lead in, is the great assumption that it happened as “The (blank) Commission” says it did, the right place to begin? It really doesn’t take much common sense with the documented events clearly within our grasp to ask “Really?” When our common sense is denied and “proven” wrong, is it not within reason to expect future events to be fact-less? Yes, T has his big rotten lie(s), but do you belie your sincerity with your assumptions? Sorry, as I could be wrong with the “levels” and “degrees of” and “where should we start first” stuff. Return to your drawing board, but continue your direction.
Dr. Snyder, I read this article when you first posted it in June, and came back today to reread it. It reflects the despair I so often felt during the 4 years of the Trump presidency. Now I feel this despair when we seem so unable to overcome his terrible legacy. Throughout I find myself trying to analyze/understand how any (not to mention so many) Americans could support a person of such awful character and deeds. At first I thought it was related to education, or lack there of....but in the meanwhile I have seen so many acquaintances show support for this guy and his political followers, folks that I know have lots of education, that I don't believe education is the answer. It seems to have more to do with the ability to resist group-think, do research on one's own, and think about and come to conclusions about the most factual of information, given that it is today harder than ever to discern facts from lies. I say 'group-think' in the sense of peer pressure, and peer acceptance. But I am still taking in information and analyzing, because I don't think that's the whole story yet....
Hi Nancy. I personally use a lot of psych and even neurobiology to understand the insanity going on. Tribalism is a huge part of it for sure, but throw in disfunctional empathetic processing, PFC underdevelopment and attachment disorder and you get people who simply arent able to process trust and safety. They are doomed to live life never feeling the presence of trust or safety. The worst of them try and change the world to a dangerous place so that it makes sense to them.
They are truly broken. But, in understanding how our brains can be damaged, its possible for me anyway to connect. I often find myself
Oops. I find myself being a source of understanding... for them.
They truly are confused at the world because it is more safe than not. More trustworthy than not.. Shares more than doesn't. Imagine living life without ever feeling these truths and you'll begin to understand these guys. And yes, they are usually guys.
Yes, I think Trump has many markers of psychopathy such as these. There are many professionals and academics who I think have diagnosed him accurately. Being a public figure, he is very accessible and does not hide his thinking or plans.
It is often not what we want to do when we are being victimized by psychopathic behavior, but it is understandable why they think and behave the way they do when you consider fundamental developmental psychology and how we are designed to respond to trauma and damage. Trump is really not much of a mystery. He does not belong as a leader. Fundamentally because I believe empathy does not process. Leadership is by definition the concern for people other than yourself. It is inevitable a lack of empathy will result in self focus, transactional thinking and harm for others. Give such a person power and you can expect similar societal level harm.
Why is it usually men? My answer is admittedly a very long term evolutionary perspective so take it with a grain of salt. Since sexual difference evolved about 1.5 bil yrs ago, the pressure on males has been to compete for females and mix population genetics. These are thought to be the main benefits of sexual vs asexual reproduction. As social groups became more complex and humans in particular extended reproductive age to 12 or so years, evolutionary pressure for long term pro social behaviors grew in importance. The key here is that those pro-social pressures for males are relatively very recent in evolutionary terms: 100k vs 1.5bil years. For females who retained reproductive and offspring nurture, pro social pressures are more of a refinement.
This all sounds way too long term and deterministic, but it's against these mechanisms and history that humans must find a way to coexist in ever changing reality. Failure is understandable but at the same time not an option.
Working Disclosure:
I do not work in these areas and my perspective is admittedly tilted toward the physiological. I personally think neurobiology offers a better understanding of our outward behavior than is currently acknowledged. The key for me is understanding what are called Critical Periods of Developmental Psychology. How development, underdevelopment, damage and compensation interplay to create behavior. And why all this is so from evolutionary history.
It's a complex phenomenon, there are many, many social and psychological factors at play in what is occurring now. I think that you make a good point with respect the phenomenon of attachment disorder and PHC development and the shaping of world view, the attraction to views of the world and leaders who are congruent with this conditioning.
I have known people in whom this was strikingly true: I could see the direct correlation of this in terms of their past (families of origin), and the ways that this conditioned world view was reflected in their attraction to conspiracy theories.
Dr. Snyder, your voice has kept me sane since before the election of 2016, and I do not say that lightly. I am a member of the clergy, and have been studying civil society and totalitarian systems for many years. I was in Romania in 2001, working among some local church partners in the ethnic Hungarian minority, at a time of heightened nationalism and ethnic tension in the country, most especially in the city of Cluj. My two older children, then 8 and 10, were with me there, and we had many conversations about these issues. On 9/11, we were deep in the Transylvanian countryside, nestled among friends who cared for us as we learned the shocking news. I remember someone saying to me, "Watch now, your President will use this to gain power."
My children and I returned to the United States just after Sept. 11, as soon as we could travel again. As we drove home from the San Francisco airport and saw giant American flags flying everywhere, my son said, "This looks just like Cluj!" I remember my concern over the rapid use of nationalistic images to bolster the security state here in the months that followed. My Hungarian friend's prediction started unfolding. I tried to talk about what I was observing, but I felt like an outlier in so many places, the overwrought Cassandra who kept talking about cabals and the rising autocratic trends.
And now, my Hungarian friends have largely fallen under Orban's sway, especially those in Romania, and some of those friendships have been ruptured, including the very family with whom we were living in 2001. Those friends told me how much they admired President Trump, and that I should too. Autocracy's ugliness seems to be everywhere, emboldened by our own failures in the U.S. And here at home, the people who thought I was exaggerating in 2004 and laughed when I said Trump would win the 2016 election-the same people thanked me during Trump's presidency for lifting up your writings, and on January 6 said, "Oh my god you were right!" Well, those folks are now telling me once again that our institutions will prevail, that we just need to give President Biden time, that the Democrats will prosecute, that the center will hold.
It's so heartbreaking to watch this willful denial. I'm so grateful for historians like yourself, and for the brave journalists all over the world. But it's your voice that has been a rope to the barn for me during this long blizzard. Your writing and lectures remind me that someone far more knowledgeable than me is sounding the alarm ever more loudly. I am so afraid that we won't listen, and that our democracy will indeed fail. Thank you for your clarity and tenacity-we need you more than ever.
Thank you Cecelia! I so agree.
Well, in actual fact, a week ago I dreamed about Viktor Orban. I used to know him well, we were both members of the underground political movement, the samizdat culture and the opposition that has split into many factions since then just like Anne Applebaum tells us in Twilight. Anyway, I was shouting at him and telling him how he had betrayed each and every idea that we held dear more than thirty years ago. I was beside myself with fury and when I finished he crouched in a corner and started to cry. Now, we suspect that he is not terribly stable and he clearly went to pieces in my dream, so I crouched down to him and started consoling him as you would a young child or someone who has deep psychological problems. I left Hungary as a political refugee, was back in Budapest as a BBC correspondent, but I have never had a dream like this. It's uncanny that several of us should have politically motivated dreams these days, probably shows how deeply troubled we are about what is happening in our respective countries, even at a subliminal, Freudian level...
Elizabeth, it is still so bizarre to me how much Orban changed. And yet my own friends, dear dear friends with whom I had worked to build civil society institutions in Transylvania, have fallen completely under his sway. And so I see that a person's worldview can be radically altered by autocratic fear-mongering. But I remain sorrowful that these friends are behind some new sort of curtain now. In 2008 I was given the honorary designation of Tiszteletbeli Szekely in Szekelyudvarhely for my work there, and now these friends and colleagues will not even speak to me, our political differences are so great. I did not think I was naive about what humans can convince themselves to believe, but perhaps I was. I think often about the old friends there in the Szekelyfold, and our dreams of building civic institutions after the fall of the regime, and how quickly the common view of the Soros Foundation went from a beloved hope for the future to some kind of demonic force. I dream all the time about some strange mixture of my life here and the villages I love there, and there is always some terrible presence stalking us all.
Cecilia, it is incredible, indeed. Anne Applebaum is talking about something very similar in Poland. It is nightmarish. Orban and the FIDESZ were our hope, because they were young, energetic, had a great sense of humor and look at them now... I am devastated because I invested so much in the political changes and a multi-party system. Aged 69, I don't even know if I will be around for a meaningful political turn. Everything's been stolen, land, property, universities, the situation of the Roma is hopeless (mind you, they often vote for Orban)... The campaign against Soros is another disgrace... However, as I often say, we only have one life and need to live it meaningfully. Interestingly, positive psychologists believe that a meaningful life leads to happiness. So, I can't complain...
Thank you for writing this. As a child of survivors of Hitler and Stalin, I share your distress and urgency. Americans are blessed and cursed by never having to experience that kind of crushing tyranny. Have you considered a meeting with Joe Manchin and the handful of non-Trumpist Republicans in the Senate to share your well-founded urgency? You are someone who can help them understand that their legacy, their children's and their grandchildren's futures hang on what they do in this perilous moment. That they have in their power to save our democracy, and if they don't act, it will collapse, as history teaches. It's their duty as Senators, Americans, and parents to stop the rapid backslide moving like an avalanche across the country, by casting one vote. They can and must pass national standards for a floor of voting rights. Protecting the filibuster over democracy itself will look like an absurd dream when the nightmare becomes reality.
Please, please keep talking. There are many of us out here who are listening. Before 2016, I never thought much about elections for county-level offices, although I always voted. Now I'm donating to these candidates and volunteering in their campaigns. You taught me why it's important.
Thank you Professor Snyder for articulating the horror of watching people choose ignorance. I have had a similar dream right when trump got elected where I was in a slow-motion bus crash and all the people closest to me were creepily smiling and trying to pretend the bus was not in flames and careening off a cliff-- and that they supported that destruction. but shouldn't we play some cards and can't we still be friends....? This is very hard to live through but I am confident your example and education have helped us avoid the worst and I hope will keep us free. I am wondering if the 22 states canceling federal unemployment aid are going to see backlash from those voters, or if we're really that far down the Russia/India/China-propaganda style politics with the R party. My heart breaks for the taxpayers getting the rug pulled out on them so that companies are ensured cheap labor... we're always told that we can't afford it, or it will hurt the economy- but these states are literally rejecting $12B to force people to work... so their taxes can continue to subsidize our "free market" oligarchy. SAD.
MD is one of those 22 states. his term is up and he’s thinking of a run for president - no consequences
Keep talking. Stay in the doirway.
What is to be done when we play by the rules and a large minority of folks are willing to break every rule? In 2016 I was telling my friends that the country was closer to chaos than anytime since 1859. I wonder now if it’s more like the winter of 1860?
I so hate it when you are right.
People can be steered away from the Big Lie. I am Social Worker in rural North Carolina - aka Trump country - and I know many people who believe the Big Lie. I have been able to steer several people away from the Big Lie by building relationships with them in the real-world that extend beyond the political sphere. We discuss sports, music, events, etc. I have found that after we have established trusting relationships with another, people are more inclined to hear and accept opposing viewpoints. It all starts and ends with trust; the belief that the other person is a good-faith actor. We have to trust one another again, but we cannot build trust over a screen. It must be done in the real-world at the local, community level. I am not ready to succumb to despair quite yet.
I too engage. Often I sense they walk away feeling grateful someone on the other side talked with them. I've found most discussions start with them asking me I think the way we do? It's a "tell" of how they actually are questioning their beliefs just a bit.
People with anti-social feelings are fearful and aware that others are not. If healthy, you can expect higher level thinking (PFC) to consciously moderate innate fear and so will reach out when feeling safe to do so.
This is such a hopeful message. One by one, determined, kind persons can build trust across this awful divide. Thank you.
“Remember, that Countries, just like with people, it’s easy, to let the best of yourself slip away”-Bruce Springsteen.
This is what has happened to Mitch McConnel and todays Republican Party. The best is gone, they have let themselves go to seed. What remains is Oligarchy, Conspiracy Theories,Fascist tendencies of Big Lies, intimidation, social division, and sadly the sewing political violence. It ought not be this way. So I think Dr. Snyder, your substack, books, articles, lectures, and dreams have a lot in common with Woody Guthrie’s guitar.
https://youtu.be/1yuc4BI5NWU
After reading the Statement of Concern on June 1, I had a short political dream that night. In it a US Senator was walking away and suddenly I just lost it and started screaming after him. My reaction felt wrong for a moment but my anger did not care. It is one of the only times I can remember ever dreaming about politics. So it was very interesting to read this piece here today. Thank you.
https://www.newamerica.org/political-reform/statements/statement-of-concern/
At a similar time in our history, on June 1st, 1950, Senator Margaret Chase Smith said to the country, and to her party in a "Declaration of Conscience"...
"The Democratic administration has greatly lost the confidence of the American people by its complacency to the threat of communism and the leak of vital secrets to Russia through key officials of the Democratic administration. There are enough proved cases to make this point without diluting our criticism with unproved charges.
Surely these are sufficient reasons to make it clear to the American people that it is time for a change and that a Republican victory is necessary to the security of this country. Surely it is clear that this nation will continue to suffer as long as it is governed by the present ineffective Democratic Administration.
Yet to displace it with a Republican regime embracing a philosophy that lacks political integrity or intellectual honesty would prove equally disastrous to this nation. The nation sorely needs a Republican victory. But I don't want to see the Republican Party ride to political victory on the Four Horsemen of Calumny -- Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry and Smear.
I doubt if the Republican Party could -- simply because I don't believe the American people will uphold any political party that puts political exploitation above national interest."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Declaration_of_Conscience
Thank you Dr. Snyder, I have had the same dream.
Your writing, lectures and your direct-to-camera YouTube talks have been a tremendously helpful source of historical context, extraordinary and at the same time accessible critical thinking, all offered in a deeply human way that reflects not just intellect but also compassion. I immediately shared this piece with many others, with my only comment being "what.he.said." As someone whose analysis and felt sense led me to predict a coup attempt with the mobilization of Q-Anon followers, I resonate with your dream and with your decision to share it. I didn't want to be right - I wanted to sound a clarion call - and I continue to feel that way. Thank you for using your voice and your position of respect and visibility to these deep concerns and the implications of what we are experiencing.
Dr. Snyder, I very much appreciate your voice and books and concern. Is skirting generations and the lore of our falsehoods really promoting the good spirit of your readership? Can we see clearly through the dust, and fog and commotion of our time without clearly confronting our big lies? Did “We” discover “America”; how far back has “White is right, and Christianity is right…”? And presently, per your above 911 lead in, is the great assumption that it happened as “The (blank) Commission” says it did, the right place to begin? It really doesn’t take much common sense with the documented events clearly within our grasp to ask “Really?” When our common sense is denied and “proven” wrong, is it not within reason to expect future events to be fact-less? Yes, T has his big rotten lie(s), but do you belie your sincerity with your assumptions? Sorry, as I could be wrong with the “levels” and “degrees of” and “where should we start first” stuff. Return to your drawing board, but continue your direction.
Dr. Snyder, I very much appreciate your voice and books and concern. Is skirting generations and the lore of our falsehoods really promoting the good spirit of your readership? Can we see clearly through the dust, and fog and commotion of our time without clearly confronting our big lies? Did “We” discover “America”; how far back has “White is right, and Christianity is right…”? And presently, per your above 911 lead in, is the great assumption that it happened as “The (blank) Commission” says it did, the right place to begin? It really doesn’t take much common sense with the documented events clearly within our grasp to ask “Really?” When our common sense is denied and “proven” wrong, is it not within reason to expect future events to be fact-less? Yes, T has his big rotten lie(s), but do you belie your sincerity with your assumptions? Sorry, as I could be wrong with the “levels” and “degrees of” and “where should we start first” stuff. Return to your drawing board, but continue your direction.
Dr. Snyder, I read this article when you first posted it in June, and came back today to reread it. It reflects the despair I so often felt during the 4 years of the Trump presidency. Now I feel this despair when we seem so unable to overcome his terrible legacy. Throughout I find myself trying to analyze/understand how any (not to mention so many) Americans could support a person of such awful character and deeds. At first I thought it was related to education, or lack there of....but in the meanwhile I have seen so many acquaintances show support for this guy and his political followers, folks that I know have lots of education, that I don't believe education is the answer. It seems to have more to do with the ability to resist group-think, do research on one's own, and think about and come to conclusions about the most factual of information, given that it is today harder than ever to discern facts from lies. I say 'group-think' in the sense of peer pressure, and peer acceptance. But I am still taking in information and analyzing, because I don't think that's the whole story yet....
Hi Nancy. I personally use a lot of psych and even neurobiology to understand the insanity going on. Tribalism is a huge part of it for sure, but throw in disfunctional empathetic processing, PFC underdevelopment and attachment disorder and you get people who simply arent able to process trust and safety. They are doomed to live life never feeling the presence of trust or safety. The worst of them try and change the world to a dangerous place so that it makes sense to them.
They are truly broken. But, in understanding how our brains can be damaged, its possible for me anyway to connect. I often find myself
Oops. I find myself being a source of understanding... for them.
They truly are confused at the world because it is more safe than not. More trustworthy than not.. Shares more than doesn't. Imagine living life without ever feeling these truths and you'll begin to understand these guys. And yes, they are usually guys.
Understand them, but dont let them lead.
Do you think this describes Trump, too? And why is it usually guys?
Yes, I think Trump has many markers of psychopathy such as these. There are many professionals and academics who I think have diagnosed him accurately. Being a public figure, he is very accessible and does not hide his thinking or plans.
It is often not what we want to do when we are being victimized by psychopathic behavior, but it is understandable why they think and behave the way they do when you consider fundamental developmental psychology and how we are designed to respond to trauma and damage. Trump is really not much of a mystery. He does not belong as a leader. Fundamentally because I believe empathy does not process. Leadership is by definition the concern for people other than yourself. It is inevitable a lack of empathy will result in self focus, transactional thinking and harm for others. Give such a person power and you can expect similar societal level harm.
Why is it usually men? My answer is admittedly a very long term evolutionary perspective so take it with a grain of salt. Since sexual difference evolved about 1.5 bil yrs ago, the pressure on males has been to compete for females and mix population genetics. These are thought to be the main benefits of sexual vs asexual reproduction. As social groups became more complex and humans in particular extended reproductive age to 12 or so years, evolutionary pressure for long term pro social behaviors grew in importance. The key here is that those pro-social pressures for males are relatively very recent in evolutionary terms: 100k vs 1.5bil years. For females who retained reproductive and offspring nurture, pro social pressures are more of a refinement.
This all sounds way too long term and deterministic, but it's against these mechanisms and history that humans must find a way to coexist in ever changing reality. Failure is understandable but at the same time not an option.
Working Disclosure:
I do not work in these areas and my perspective is admittedly tilted toward the physiological. I personally think neurobiology offers a better understanding of our outward behavior than is currently acknowledged. The key for me is understanding what are called Critical Periods of Developmental Psychology. How development, underdevelopment, damage and compensation interplay to create behavior. And why all this is so from evolutionary history.
It's a complex phenomenon, there are many, many social and psychological factors at play in what is occurring now. I think that you make a good point with respect the phenomenon of attachment disorder and PHC development and the shaping of world view, the attraction to views of the world and leaders who are congruent with this conditioning.
I have known people in whom this was strikingly true: I could see the direct correlation of this in terms of their past (families of origin), and the ways that this conditioned world view was reflected in their attraction to conspiracy theories.
Good points on trust and safety!