What causes someone to become a rule enforcing zealot? To be a whistle blower type person?

Question

I have a asked a similar question before. I'm asking again because I only got a few answers before.

There are some people that become obsessed and fixated on pointing out violations of rules (whether these be formal laws or just violations of social norms or ethical/moral laws), enforcing these rules, pointing out flaws, etc. They are often holier than thou, self righteous, tattlers that are constantly moralizing and putting value judgments on seemingly every action or object. They often have a black and white, all or nothing attitude in terms of what is right or wrong, good or bad. They constantly condemn people and are extremely uptight. It seems as if their whole existence is dedicated to being a self appointed judge of all people and things. They disapprove of just about everything and everyone and will often try to spread their disapproving attitude toward one person around to other people.

Based on this character sketch, can you tell me how someone becomes this way?

Answer 1

wow, I don't know but they are out there. Maybe they are insecure and trying to divert attention away from their own imperfections or wrong doings. I know people who lie don't trust others are telling the truth and I know people who are always 'telling' on others are looking for attention. to make themselves look better, if they show how bad some one is it may make them look better.

Answer 2

Everyone chooses the rules they enforce. I have never found anyone who didnt. It might be based on "a rule is a rule" as you seem to point to, but some who talk loudly against such have often been quick to enforce gang rules or religious ethics.

Of course no extreme is a good thing. But dont think that the opposite of what you pointed out is the thinking rational person. What you want is someone midrange who will examine each situation and decide.

The opposite of what you depict is the person who will rush in like a rabid animal on any small bit of apparent censorship to defend "freedom of speech". That fanatic can do just as much damage as one who overly enforces.

Everything has its pros and cons. Too much of any "good thing" can have its drawbacks.

Answer 3

Through their own misgivings, self doubt and lack of confidence. They get a buzz out of whistle-blowing because that's often the only way they can gain any sort of (misguided) self-esteem, as ordinarily nobody would listen to their one dimensional stereotypical morals and viewpoints.

Answer 4

Hmmm... usually they are worried about job security. At one time they were very hard working, but received little recognition. They need to work in QA if they want to point out errors. Lol!

Answer 5

Makes them feel powerful.