To beat Trump, we need to know why Americans keep voting for him. Psychologists may have the answer | George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
US culture is an incubator of ‘extrinsic values’. Nobody embodies them like the Republican front runner, writes Guardian columnist George Monbiot

US culture is an incubator of ‘extrinsic values’. Nobody embodies them like the Republican frontrunner

Many explanations are proposed for the continued rise of Donald Trump, and the steadfastness of his support, even as the outrages and criminal charges pile up. Some of these explanations are powerful. But there is one I have seen mentioned nowhere, which could, I believe, be the most important: Trump is king of the extrinsics.

Some psychologists believe our values tend to cluster around certain poles, described as “intrinsic” and “extrinsic”. People with a strong set of intrinsic values are inclined towards empathy, intimacy and self-acceptance. They tend to be open to challenge and change, interested in universal rights and equality, and protective of other people and the living world.

People at the extrinsic end of the spectrum are more attracted to prestige, status, image, fame, power and wealth. They are strongly motivated by the prospect of individual reward and praise. They are more likely to objectify and exploit other people, to behave rudely and aggressively and to dismiss social and environmental impacts. They have little interest in cooperation or community. People with a strong set of extrinsic values are more likely to suffer from frustration, dissatisfaction, stress, anxiety, anger and compulsive behaviour.

  • Grandwolf319
    9·
    11 months ago

    America is a country where half of the population hates everybody who isn’t a conservative heterosexual cisgendered white man

    … but doesn’t that beg the question, why half of America is like that? I wouldn’t find the answer “they just are” sufficient.

    • 7heo@lemmy.ml
      34·
      11 months ago

      The article explains that. You will find that it is caused by something called “education” (or, in that case, the lack thereof). Look into it, it’s literally empowering.

      Also: “extrinsic” which comes in opposition to “intrinsic”, means, quite obviously, “coming from outside”. Now, if you add the term “values” to it, “intrinsic values” means “contributing”, while “extrinsic values” means “profiting”. It is literally a fancy term to designate selfish, kleptomaniac, toxic behavior. And this type of behavior is caused by the intimate conviction that one is unable to provide for oneself, and so, must take from others or suffer. This is, in turn, due to a lack of skills and knowledge, stemming from poor education.