Understanding Trump Support: A Psychological Perspective

Why do people continue to support Donald Trump, despite being aware of his negative qualities? What psychological and social factors contribute to their unwavering support? This article explores these questions and provides insights into the behavior of Trump supporters, often referred to as trumptards.

Introduction to Psychological Terms and Concepts

The support for Donald Trump by a significant portion of the populace is both fascinating and perplexing. This support often transcends party lines and defies traditional political wisdom. To understand the underlying motivations, it's crucial to delve into psychological theories such as Authoritarian Personalities and Social Dominance Orientation.

Authoritarian Personalities: Cognitive and Psychological Factors

According to the Frankfurt School of Philosophy, there exist individuals with Authoritarian Personalities. These people are characterized by:

Rigid, black and white thinking An obsession with sexual immorality A jealous preoccupation with social status Fear of ambiguity A high value placed on obedience to authority

These traits can be understood as a way for individuals to flee from their own freedom and responsibility, thus obviating the need to make difficult choices and deal with existential problems. Authoritarian leaders, such as Donald Trump, provide a simple, authoritarian narrative that aligns with these personality traits.

Social Dominance Orientation (SDO): Systematic Bias and Prejudices

Social Dominance Orientation (SDO) was developed in the 1990s by a group of authors, including Jim Sidanius and Felicia Pratto. This personality trait measures an individual's support for social hierarchy and the desire for their in-group to be superior to out-groups.

People with high SDO:

Believe in and support competition Tend to view the world as a competitive place Value loyalty, authority, and sanctity Show little empathy for lower-status groups Exhibit aggression, intimidation, and coercion

Research suggests that individuals with high SDO are more likely to exhibit conservative, racist, ethnocentric, and prejudiced behaviors. They often justify their actions with the narrative of protecting their group against perceived threats.

The Trumptard Phenomenon

Trumptards are a particular subset of supporters who exhibit behaviors indicative of Authoritarian Personalities and Social Dominance Orientation. They are often seen as deplorable, clinging to outdated values and beliefs.

Trumptards are characterized as:

Authoritarian Personalities who require an authoritarian leader Willfully gullible and easily manipulated Emotionally bound to their leader, like a daddy figure Paranoid and terrified of new and changing ideas In possession of a fantasy world where they are superior and entitled to dominate

Trumptards have been described as being driven by a desire for social dominance. They see Donald Trump as a leader who legitimates their hostile and discriminatory behaviors, such as hatred and discrimination against people, religious or ethnic minorities, and domination over women under the guise of legalizing restricted abortion rights.

Consequences and Future Outlook

The choice to support Donald Trump, despite his criminal history and negative qualities, is a complex social and psychological phenomenon. These individuals are not just supporting a candidate; they are upholding a worldview that is deeply rooted in authoritarian thinking and a desire for social dominance.

Their actions have real-world consequences, including:

Political polarization and division Rise in hate crimes and discrimination Erosion of democratic institutions Global perception and impact

The future of American democracy and the world may depend on understanding and addressing the underlying psychological and social factors influencing Trump support. It is crucial to inform and educate the public about these issues to promote a more informed and responsible electorate.

Conclusion

Understanding the motivations behind Trump support requires a comprehensive examination of psychological and sociological factors. By recognizing and addressing these issues, we can work towards a more informed, rational, and democratic society.