Interesting analysis of “mobbing phenomenon”, with parallels drawn to American politics.
It brings to mind the dangerous interplay between "authoritarian followers” and “vertically power-structured” institutions that exist within a “horizontally power-structured” democracy...1/
According to Altemeyer’s research, 20-30% of a population will have an authoritarian personality.
Authoritarian personalities are drawn to “vertical power structures”….which are a strict hierarchical structure where power emanates from the top-down. 2/ theauthoritarians.org
The article above analyzes a corporate environment. I've used the term "corporate creatures" to describe those who thrive in and exploit the corporate structure and the cut-throat ecosystem.
Corporate creatures are often authoritarian personalities/followers who...3/
...are drawn to the top-down vertical power structure of "authority", b/c they not only gravitate to the powerful leader, but they want to ascend the power structure to have power/control over others.
Authoritarian followers are not only drawn to authority, they may crave it. 4/
Unsurprisingly, Narcissists/Sociopaths are drawn to the vertical power structure of corporate America, and are disproportionately represented within the ranks of CEOs...as noted here when analyzing society’s failure to rein in narcissists/sociopaths. 5/
Due to their vertical power structure, certain institutions may be comprised of a considerably higher percentage of authoritarian followers than the 20-30% that generally exists across society. 6/
In a democracy, the power “theoretically” resides in the people....which creates a bottom-up, "horizontal power structure".
There is an obvious tension that exists when a horizontally power-structured democracy is supported by vertically power-structured institutions… 7/
…that are disproportionately represented by authoritarian followers.
This vertical/horizontal power structure tension creates an obvious need for “separation” or insulation.
Hence, the need for the separation of church and state….8/
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….and, perhaps even more importantly, the need for civilian-led military.
However, when an authoritarian leader takes power and abuses his power, the country is reliant upon the character/integrity/patriotism and constitutional adherence of leaders such as General Milley…..10/
This is why Trump and the Right Wing “Media Authoritarians” have turned on General Milley, and are attempting to create division within the disproportionately-represented authoritarian follower ranks….11/
Essentially, a horizontal power structure has been hijacked by authoritarian personalities, who are attempting to vertical-ize democracy, and create a diversion of verticality from current military leadership to the right-wing authoritarian movement. 12/
This was on display on January 6th: 13/
As I read, the article about "mobbing phenomenon" embedded in the initial tweet, I thought about Jeremy Richman, the Sandy Hook father/neuroscientist who committed suicide after becoming exhausted by the Alex Jones-led "mobbing" ("crisis actors", etc).
Other threads on authoritarianism and/or authoritarian followers: 15/
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Article form of the above thread (no paywall): 26/ patreon.com/posts/54033856
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