Nick Carmody JD, MS Psych Profile picture
Jul 19, 2021 33 tweets 8 min read Read on X
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/
….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/
Article form of the above thread (no paywall): 26/ patreon.com/posts/54033856

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More from @Nick_Carmody

Jun 22
Some thoughts on Trump bombing Iran:

1. Yes, it's enraging watching the same people (sheep) who cheered on the Iraq war 20 years ago.......

......morph into "America First", anti-"nation building", anti-"forever war" MAGAs who believed Trump when he said Biden/Kamala/Dems were leading the U.S.(Ukraine) into World War III, or would do so in the future......

.....and then suddenly morph back into NeoCons as they sycophantically cheer on a "War Time President".

1/Image
2.
Tribalism is the dominant force in America (and, by extension....in the world because it shapes our foreign policy).

x.com/Nick_Carmody/s…

It's not about "WHAT" is done......it's about "WHO" is doing the "what"....that determines whether it's "good".

For far too many people (especially on the Right/MAGA), if "our" guy does it it's genius.....and if their guy goes it, it's catastrophic.

2/Image
3.
Trump's narcissism causes him to live in the "eternal, immortal now"....where there is no history/past, and no future consequences.

3/
Read 8 tweets
Jun 8
A shape-shifting sociopath (Vance).......

.....vouches for immutable psychopath (Stephen Miller).

Let’s unpack.....

1/
@terrymoran’s observations about @StephenM are 100% accurate.

Miller substantiates Moran’s observations on a daily basis with his actions....and pathological gaslighting:



(“...because people like CNN want foreign terrorists in the country who kidnap women and children.”)

2/
Here is the actual Supreme Court order, and the quote from the 9-0 opinion.

“The order properly requires the government to facilitate Abrego Garcia's release from custody in El Salvador".

3/
supremecourt.gov/opinions/24pdf…
Read 13 tweets
Jun 2
Obligatory qualifier: Celebrating assassination culture is a symptom of a morally bankrupt, pathological society.

But....at best, this video is tone deaf to the primary source of the current pathology.....

And, at worst....it’s a deliberate attempt to gaslight.

Let’s unpack.....

1/
“Assassination culture” is fueled by:

1) The erosion of institutional trust.

...and...

2) Pathological populism.

No one has fed the populist uprising.....eroded more institutional trust.....and is more pathologically disordered...

....than Trump

2/
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AT :07 mark of the video in :“The murder of united healthcare CEO exposed a dangerous shift I societal norms”....

...and then asks: “How did this happen?”

3/
Read 27 tweets
May 21
@jordanbpeterson: Narcissists/psychopaths are taking over the “fringe” Right.

Apparently Peterson and @joerogan have issues with the “fringe” narcissists/sociopaths who are undermining the sociopathic/narcissist who they support: Trump.

Let’s unpack…

1/
One of things that is so mind-numbing about Peterson is his lack of self, and situational, awareness…..

.....which manifests in his inability to apply his analysis to himself (his projection of his own experiences/feelings onto Trump)….

2/
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….as well as Peterson's inability to apply his analysis of Cluster B personality disorders to Trump.

3/

Read 43 tweets
May 15
Whether innate (sociopathy/sadism), learned, or performative...

...Noem mimics Stephen Miller's affectation, delivery...and cold, "reckless disregard for others".

Unfortunately, sociopathy is applauded and rewarded under Trump.

Let's review the El Salvador (and Libya) issue...

1/Image
In March, I analyzed the mass psychology of Trump defying Supreme Court orders:

2/
The thread analyzed the desensitization process that occurs when there is legal/psychological "precedent" of Trump committing an unconstitutional action.

3/
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Read 9 tweets
May 13
This was a topic of a @ProjectLincoln appearance (2022).

In the 3 years since this interview, Trump has become less clownish and more dangerous. Carlson/Bannon have less influence.

Vance & Stephen Miller have more influence.

Miller appears to be THE driving force behind Trump's agenda.

1/Image
There are several factors that come to mind:

1. The durability of the MAGA movement

2. The Trump effect on voter turnout

3. Voter loyalty, and the psychological/emotional investment to Trump versus Vance or another Republican/MAGA

4. First time voters

2/
As @WalshFreedom explained on @reedgalen's "The Home Front" podcast, the MAGA movement isn't going anywhere:

3/
reedgalen.substack.com/p/reed-galen-a…
Read 12 tweets

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