Populism: a way forward out of it

 

 

Populism explained and how to avoid the dehumanization it brings

 

Make no mistake, populists are aware that their liar in chief is lying.

Yet, they support her/him because of the thrill that comes with the feeling of “freedom” they associate with the possibility of lying, destroying, bullying, hating, and a bunch of other ‘isms, without consequences.

The motivation behind this thrill is three-pronged:

a)        The liar in chief and her/his cronies creates an ecosystem where lies and hate (among others) are rewarded.

b)        It gives the comfort of being part of a group, even if this one is the liar/hater/oppressor group.

c)        It frees from what defines “homo sapiens”: the responsibility of reflection.

 

Here is it useful to explain that science has shown that the human brain takes up to 76 seconds before deciding on an action although the first “decision has been taken within 5 seconds. The rest is called reflection, during which we assess our instinct in relation with our experiences, to try to avoid making a mistake. This process can be extremely energy and emotionally consuming. Since it is in fact a difficult task, unless one has established that this process is “who they are” because they decided that this reflection is of high value to them (maturity), the tendency of those who did not “grow up” (did not decide that reflection is of high value to them) will be to revert to a state where instincts control their actions and they will welcome/embrace the “chance” to bypass the reflection process. In doing so, they make themselves totally dependent on the liar in chief, who in fact is the only one protecting their “lack of reflection”. Reflection needs practice and consequently, 4 years without reflection is identical to staying 4 years in bed. Your leg muscles are kind of gone. Populists therefore harbour great fear in the face of losing their liar in chief and will go to great length to protect her/him, no matter what.

 

 

The prospect of getting out of bed and re-learn to walk will take place only if those afflicted by this condition can practice “walking” in a safe and respectful place. It is the responsibility of all those who still can reflect to help those who want to learn/re-learn “how to reflect”. A few guidelines include:  (to which you will have to add your own)

 

a.        Re-establish communication and offer to listen

b.        Do not guide, do not pretend you hold the truth: all you have is your “truth of the moment” which may change

c.        Remember: they are re-learning to walk, not you: listen.

d.        Be patient, honest and humble

e.        The no-go feelings are: superiority/inferiority, hostility/false kindness, fear/drama, cynicism, indoctrination, etc., you get the drift.

 

Now go and be the one you want to be.