A reader responds to the analysis of authoritarians:
In addition to making a slight change in how we raise our children, we could also address the things which cause their fears.
I’d argue that it’s likely that children raised with a growth mindset (see Carol Dweck’s research) instead of a fixed mindset would be less authoritarian-responsive, in addition to just being happier, more productive and successful adults. That will take a long time to accomplish, however (change the conventions for parenting and schooling and then pass an entire generation of kids into middle age where they can influence policies — so minimum 30 to 50 years). Our civilization may not last that long if this goes completely unchecked.
We can do things about some of their fears, though, such as economic stability, jobs and terrorism. Fixing things like “corporate personhood” and Citizens United would go a long way to helping citizens feel like government is responsive to them, rather than in the pockets of “elites”.
For another insight into the minds of Trump supporters, check out this blog post from Cracked’s David Wong. It seems fairly logical and has the additional positive of being written from someone who’s been there.
