Reasons Why People Support Dictators

To give some examples of dictators; We can count Adolf Hitler from Germany, Benito Mussolini from Italy and Saddam Hussein from Iraq. When you stop and think, “How could these people support such people?” but you can say human psychology something so complicated and interesting that it can even endear dictators to some.

In this article, we also discuss what is in the nature of humanity and some of which are from evolution. psychological factors We will tell you how it had an effect on us supporting dictators, and sometimes even becoming fanatical.

First, let’s look at what dictatorship literally means.

Dictatorship of one person or a small group without effective constitutional restrictions form of government in which it has absolute power. Modern dictators are like old tyrants. The descriptions of the ancient philosophers of the tyrannies of Greece and Sicily are very close to characterizing modern dictatorships.

dictators; through intimidation, terrorism and the suppression of basic civil liberties. despotic political power They often resort to force or fraud to obtain it. They can also use mass propaganda techniques to maintain public support.

Despite all their bad traits, the public trusts them and is fascinated by power.

Often over morality, they rant against others, plunge the public into misery, and give short answers to complex problems. They have a mix of narcissistic and antisocial personality disorder traits such as lack of empathy, arrogance, power and control insanity, lying, and disobedience to traditional rules. Him submissive People are fascinated by seeing a strong person. He, too, ultimately comes to power on the backs of those he despises and despises.

The fear factor keeps people tied to a dictator.

Remember Germany after World War I. Inflation had skyrocketed. even to buy a loaf of bread A lot of money was needed. The Nazi Party came to the people with a new strength and optimism, using the atmosphere of desperation and fear in this period.

What we can deduce from here is that; The fear factor pushes people to commit to autocratic governments. People themselves and unable to protect their relatives He has an unrealistic worry about it. This fear attaches them to a dictator, even if they lose their basic freedom.

Another important factor in supporting dictators is religion.

A leader is not just a person. He is also heroic, inaccessible, and savior. When a tyrant speaks, people put themselves below him, thinking that he can bring heavenly benefits. Dictators, moreover religion factor If they do, it will be very easy for people to get their support.

The motivation to position oneself in the stronger group has a substantial effect.

Consider a classroom setting. In one group there are bully but very popular kids, on the other you have the individual and uninspired. Certainly; not in the minority in the strong group you want to take part.

When the situation starts to deteriorate in the political authorities, many roles are played. Resentment, extreme polarization, scapegoating… Here again, to give an example from Germany, there is a problem by showing Jews as their only problem. scapegoat they had declared. In this case, which group would the public want to belong to? Not to the minority, of course, but to the group next to the authoritarian leader.

Aside from social status in groups, the number of people there also affects the obedience rate. In whichever group the number is greater, like sheep in a flock tends to belong to that group.

Evolutionary behaviors lead people to status positions.

Humans, unfortunately, partly because of evolutionary behavior. status oriented are creatures. Especially in our modern capitalist society, we are obsessed with material and superficial “achievements”. Clothes, cars, names, brands, titles, fame. We succumb to the simple illusion of admiration.

Just as we admire rich, beautiful, resplendent celebrities; We are also interested in rich and authoritarian politicians who hold power. By joining his group, it’s like, what he has We think as if we own it and satisfy ourselves.

Feeling weak or uncertain gives hope for a powerful idol.

When people feel a lack of control in their own lives, they seek to regain a sense of power and ego. to fantasy figures they tend. These people are mostly; celebrities, idols, and people with charisma and power.

These charismatic types are unstable or insecure They are masters of self-confidence, self-assurance, which is reassuring and contagious to those who feel it. When your relationship, financial situation or happiness seems to deteriorate; What attracts you and gives you hope is the charm of the person who seems to have it all.

There may be a need to stay in the safe zone.

Some people maybe out of fear of responsibility or revengeprefers to stay in their safe space and let someone else run the show.

This passivity can work to some extent as a first target. However, dictators their uncontrolled progress. one of the reinforcers.

Ignorance makes it easier to believe and support dictators.

When you are in doubt about the statements or motivations of leaders or with a critical eye It’s much easier to be exploited by a self-confident dictator when you don’t examine it.

Unfortunately, many people find it easier to believe without thinking. Thus, people who believe in dictators; knowledge of serious matters, reading, or matters that do not make sense. to ask questions he doesn’t even think. They also don’t seem to be skeptical or worried about too much power being concentrated in the hands of any individual and what that might entail.

Going even deeper, an idealized parent figure is needed.

The fundamental concern in human nature that draws us to the idea of ​​a higher authority or power, to an idealized parent figure is based on need. As we grow up, parents appear huge in our consciousness. They can destroy us with their absence or bad behavior.

They are fundamental to our survival throughout childhood, and when things go wrong with imperfect parent figures, we try to put other people in their shoes. It can be our lover, your boss, your teacher… Hunger for an authoritative figure like a parent, to an autocratic leader It can provide unquestioning trust.