Is it true "that conservatism can be explained psychologically as a set of neuroses rooted in fear?"

Question

The rest of the quote is a set of neuroses rooted in "fear and
aggression, dogmatism and the intolerance of ambiguity". This is from a study, "Political Conservatism as Motivated Social Cognition," which was paid for by the U.S. government. It states that Mussolini, Reagan, and Limbaugh all "preached a return to an idealised past and condoned inequality." Read this fascinating article at The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1017505,00.html

Answer 1

That assertion is ABSOLUTELY correct, and not only fear - gross ignorance, as well. They rely on fear to keep everyone in line. The typical American is so disgustingly ignorant, they buy right into it! Right now our culture is swimming in fear. It's an absolute disgrace.

Answer 2

Certainly, the pattern of most conservatives is two-fold. One - there are those who profit from it, basically fascists, undemocratic people like Dick Cheney who are conservative only in words, who use massive state welfare programs, tax breaks, war contracts, all on the public dollar to profit. David Horowitz types profit from thier little websites and books, he was just as loyal as a Stalinist clone o the left (eidtor of Ramparts at one time) then he realized the profit is greater on the Right (where the sheep graze longer).

Two - there are the scaredy-cats, typically hard working, white, small world metality people, who follow the pattern: get scared, get angry, internalize the anger at themselves because they are afraid, then instead of putting the fear and anger where it belongs, they direct it at the most weak and needy of society (poor single mothers, minorities, so-called illegal immigrants, rape victims etc. This emboldens them, makes the fear recede, and bolsters some false bravado rally around the flag, listen to talk radio that encourages this mental reaction. Living is easy with eyes closed misunderstanding all you see... thats how they roll. They need medication and therapy.

Answer 3

Yes that is one definition. Of course if you go back to some conservative parties (the UK, US, and Canada) you can find statements like "The privlidged have the resources and education and as a result are the best selection to rule."

Of course they used to expect charity to take care of the poor. They also believed taking care of their workers put more money in the economy. Now most companies are trying to increase dividends and bonds and bonus's. I guess darwin was wrong.

The new neo conservative business approach and globalization is scary for anyone who couldn't get degree. Originally conservative policy wasn't what it has become (except in Germany's case but thats another issue.)

Answer 4

Bushyites clarify this: at present is the final day of the George W. Bush's presidency, a tenure that has coated exceptionally much 10 p.c. of my lifetime, alongside with a terrific component to my adulthood. At this element, saying that George W. Bush is the worst president in American background sounds cliched or, not less than, hyperbolic. yet from exceptionally much each and every attitude, this administration has been a surprising failure. in case you have been a conservative, Bush betrayed you; in case you have been a hawk on the Iraq conflict, Bush misled you. in case you have been a Democrat, your social gathering extremely boned you in focusing on applicants who have been "electable." After his 8-year debacle, we are left with a presidential legacy encompassing 3 catastrophes: the invasion of Iraq, the inadequate reaction to hurricane Katrina, and the financial cave in. previous administrations vying for the excellence of worst ever frequently have one extensive disaster, or a minimum of diverse mess ups in a similar section. i'm prepared to cut back the president some slack on the financial gadget. he's the final of the Reagan era (confident, i'm prepared to declare it is over now), subsequently his deregulationcontinual became to be assumed, and we echoed that mantra unquestioned. Clinton presided interior those self same words--albeit a Democratic version of them--yet he became nevertheless a Reagan era president following a similar conventional sentiments regarding regulation.

Answer 5

That's just psycho-babble. Conservatism is staying with tried and true methods. Sometimes plunging forward with experimentations leads to a worsening situation. That's why most people want to see what the results of new ideas are before implementing them.

Answer 6

The Guardian is a communist British publication.

The liberals also have Neuroses: "Wanting To Be Slaves To A Socialist Government".

Answer 7

Yes conservatives are dogs, liberals are cats.

Answer 8

It's really defined as a sociopath = no conscience

Answer 9

Conservatism can only be defined as an effort to conserve national unity, freedom, and our way of life. Why are you not a conservative?

Answer 10

sort of like the mass doomsday fear that uncle al is peddling for his global warming invention?