I'm more inclined to think the origins of RWA are much more social than they are psychological. Its tribal, not genetic.
The modern conservative doesn't seem determined to slavishly follow the opinions of government authorities; on the contrary, he tends to dismiss them outright as being illegitimate. In fact, the conservative mentality emerging in the US today seems to be essentially a scofflaw, especially when it comes to taxation, armed rebellion, vigilantism, and the entitlement of private enterprise to exploit and pollute public lands and resources. I've heard the point of view expressed right here on the Zone that the evasion of taxes, and even smuggling in order to avoid tariffs, (which was, by the way, John Hancock's profession) are civic virtues.
No I don't think RWA brains are improperly wired. It's their culture that's fucked up.
Flame » in reply to Is it the inevitable outcome for democracy?
I'm not sure I fully accept Altemeyer's thesis.
The whole thread (36 posts)
- Fascism is the Dictatorship of the Middle Class
- Truth
- I give this thread four Sheds.
- This is more along the lines of what I think....
- And when the middle class is eliminated?
- Is it the inevitable outcome for democracy?