“the paranoid style.” There have frequently been groups, often inspired by persuasive leaders who simplify complexities, offer seemingly plausible explanations for complicated developments and situations, and frame challenges in stark terms. The groups are egged on by “the animosities and passions of a small minority” and exhibit “heated exaggeration, suspiciousness and conspiratorial fantasy.”
These people are earnest and sincere. They really do believe. They perceive conspiracies led by dark, secret groups but deliberately or unwittingly aided and abetted by politicians, academics, or other elites. The changes these dangerous groups have wrought and are pushing make some people feel
“dispossessed: America has been largely taken away from them and their kind, though they are determined to try to repossess it and prevent the final destructive act of subversion. The old American virtues have already “been eaten away by cosmopolitans and intellectuals.”
Capitalism has been undermined by socialism. National security is at risk. American liberty is in danger.
The enemy is entrenched, powerful, tireless, deceptive, hides the t***h and presents false evidence. Viewing the struggle in “apocalyptic and absolutist frameworks,” those given to the paranoid view felt that normal processes of bargaining and compromise will not work. The enemy was out to deflect the course of history and must be opposed at all costs, with wh**ever means necessary.
People who espouse these views may hold to them in part because a leader they trust tells them the views are valid. This seems a lot like today. Worth discussing how many people feel or know people that feel this way.
Haski123 wrote:
“the paranoid style.” There have frequently been groups, often inspired by persuasive leaders who simplify complexities, offer seemingly plausible explanations for complicated developments and situations, and frame challenges in stark terms. The groups are egged on by “the animosities and passions of a small minority” and exhibit “heated exaggeration, suspiciousness and conspiratorial fantasy.”
These people are earnest and sincere. They really do believe. They perceive conspiracies led by dark, secret groups but deliberately or unwittingly aided and abetted by politicians, academics, or other elites. The changes these dangerous groups have wrought and are pushing make some people feel
“dispossessed: America has been largely taken away from them and their kind, though they are determined to try to repossess it and prevent the final destructive act of subversion. The old American virtues have already “been eaten away by cosmopolitans and intellectuals.”
Capitalism has been undermined by socialism. National security is at risk. American liberty is in danger.
The enemy is entrenched, powerful, tireless, deceptive, hides the t***h and presents false evidence. Viewing the struggle in “apocalyptic and absolutist frameworks,” those given to the paranoid view felt that normal processes of bargaining and compromise will not work. The enemy was out to deflect the course of history and must be opposed at all costs, with wh**ever means necessary.
People who espouse these views may hold to them in part because a leader they trust tells them the views are valid. This seems a lot like today. Worth discussing how many people feel or know people that feel this way.
“the paranoid style.” There have frequently been g... (
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You have an impressive ability to expound on generalities, without ever mentioning any specifics. Ever considered writing an Astrological Prediction column for your local paper?
Smedley_buzk**l wrote:
You have an impressive ability to expound on generalities, without ever mentioning any specifics. Ever considered writing an Astrological Prediction column for your local paper?
Sorry this is a 1964 article that I found and copied that I thought had some direct relativity to today . I did not write it. It does state specifics on what affects style has in people and how they react to situations looking at things with that style. More like a map vs a destination.
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