I was thinking about this the other day - whereas the church used to be the locus of civic power, in the 80s, GOP consolidation and divisiveness led the rise of political tribes dominating instead of religion.
And where the power goes, there you'll find the pedophiles.
And where the power goes, there you'll find the pedophiles.
When tribalism and its role in the foundation of one's identity become conflated with and eventually outweigh any real adherence to ideology;
Where blind loyalty leverages a notion of 'us vs them',
That's the real identity politics.
Where blind loyalty leverages a notion of 'us vs them',
That's the real identity politics.
It's not about others identifying as something else, it's about rejecting those who don't identify themselves in the same way as you.
And when identity trumps ideology, you're ripe pickings for a con man.
And when identity trumps ideology, you're ripe pickings for a con man.
When you're ready to reject anyone refusing to identify as you do, it's difficult to reject those who claim to share your identity - as your entire self worth could be undermined should they uncover it's YOU who are the fraud, so cognitive bias pushes you towards acceptance.
And this cycle perpetuates itself as more and more con artists pile on, the fervor driving the tribalism to a fever pitch, increasing one's susceptibility to what to outsiders are increasingly transparent cons, false info that plays into one's worldview;
even when that false info comes from those you truly know are not your friends.
And it leads you to overlook any reports of bad behaviour from those who are most likely to report it - those who aren't members of your ingroup (because those who are suffer the same malady as you).
And it leads you to overlook any reports of bad behaviour from those who are most likely to report it - those who aren't members of your ingroup (because those who are suffer the same malady as you).
So accusations of pedophilia, sexual assault, and other acts of violence are refuted not because one *doesn't* believe them - it's because they *can't* believe them without undermining one's own sense of self-identity.
So... how the hell can we eventually achieve acceptance of these facts (read: true, actual - not alternative - facts, ie the truth) from those staunch supporters of the GOP who will be experiencing EXTREME levels of cognitive dissonance in the weeks to come?
First: understand the root of the dissonance
Second: provide an alternative frame by which they can understand past events. I'll address this in the days to come.
Second: provide an alternative frame by which they can understand past events. I'll address this in the days to come.
Third: help them forge their new identity - as a community member, or for early adopters, as leaders.
Provide meaningful opportunities for them to help right the wrongs they unintentionally promoted; provide a path to help them rebuild their sense of self through helping others.
Provide meaningful opportunities for them to help right the wrongs they unintentionally promoted; provide a path to help them rebuild their sense of self through helping others.
Everyone wants meaning in their lives.
There will be more on this over the next couple of weeks.
Now, tbh, I'm trained as an anthropologist, not a psychologist: while this feels something like a discussion of psychology, it deals in cognitive processes on a larger cultural scale.
Now, tbh, I'm trained as an anthropologist, not a psychologist: while this feels something like a discussion of psychology, it deals in cognitive processes on a larger cultural scale.
But based on past experience surrounding the reveal of allegations re:Dennis Hastert, it seems like a positive way to help reconcile with those who will be experiencing the unraveling of a major part of their identity as the news of predatory behaviour in the GOP comes out.
But I'd be very receptive to constructive criticism and other suggestions from those with experience in this field... whatever it may be called - sociocultural engineering? Cultural Cognitive Crisis Management?
#meToo was the start, but now we need active participation everywhere, helping to restore civility to our society; undoing the harm the GOP has done to our collective psyches (in all honesty, to their supporters more than to those on the left) will be a massive undertaking.
One more note: if you know someone who has supported the Pizzagate or Qanon narratives, supporting Trump, or unflinching in support of the GOP who has been a victim of child sexual assault, please do whatever it takes to help them find professional help before these stories drop.
And if you have suffered at the hands of a sexual predator, the same advice goes for you too.
The stories I know of are very likely to dredge up past trauma; in some cases could lead to psychological stress so great that suicide might seem an option.
Suicide is NOT an option.
The stories I know of are very likely to dredge up past trauma; in some cases could lead to psychological stress so great that suicide might seem an option.
Suicide is NOT an option.
Please keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk, and look out for their well-being. And do whatever you can to ensure they have a safety net in place.
[ sorry for the meandering nature of this thread. it was kind of spur-of-the moment, and I need some caffeine :) ]
