The Dunning-Kruger Effect
The state of being under-informed or misinformed and being completely unaware of being under-informed or misinformed. In other words, one’s ignorance is completely invisible, so whatever you know makes you a self-realized expert in your nonfactual opinion about what you don't know. Or, in other words, the cognitive bias of illusory superiority that comes from the inability of low-ability people to recognize their lack of ability.
Hypersensitivity to Threat
Science has unequivocally shown that the conservative brain has an exaggerated fear response when faced with stimuli that may be perceived as threatening. The fear response is automatic and not influenced by reason or logic. Many conservative brains will automatically light up when confronted with fear, like the fear mongering Trump induces by portraying Mexican and Muslim immigrants as imminent dangers. Trump supporters’ knee-jerk reaction is to seek safety in the one who promises safety. First you create the need for a hero, and then you pretend you are that hero. Donald Trump is the candidate who is offering the most extreme measures for protection.
Terror Management Theory
Instilling meaning and value in life with religion, politics, national identity, et. al. without reason, logic, empathy, and compassion (fear is selfish) as a means to ward off the fear of death, an existential terror that resides mostly in the unconscious when threats are not imminent. When these people are unknowingly reminded of death, which happens after fear mongering, they will strongly defend those who have the same maligned worldview. When fears of death are aroused, people are more likely to embrace leaders like Trump who provide a false sense of psychological security by making their citizens feel like they are valued contributors to a great mission to eradicate evil. Hence, the Make America Great hat that sits atop the brains of Trump supporters.
High Attentional Engagement
Unlike Hillary Clinton, Trump is outrageously entertaining and his showmanship appeals to many Americans' addiction to entertainment, particularly reality shows. Trump supporters may even disagree with Trump’s message but will vote for him anyway because he’s fun. He's a clown.
What can reasonable people do about this?
Just vote Blue.
Gary this is fascinating. It explains so much about Trump supporters that I’ve never understood. I stumbled onto your blog because you and I are both graduates of GPHS. I’ve been accessing the 1970 graduates FB page, and saw your name there. I got on your Facebook page and found that you have this blog so I checked it out. I don’t know if you remember me, my maiden name is Debbie DeShazo. If you don’t remember me you probably remember my dad who was head of the counseling department when we were in high school. Glen DeShazo. It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years! Where did the time go? Anyway I really enjoy your thinking, very astute. Debbie
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