Why we 'Love a Man in a Uniform'

 

In a world that champions individualism and independence, there exists a curious phenomenon - our innate attraction to authority figures. Or, as many a life coach will attest, friction between people with issues about perceived authority.

Above: Eva Braun who loved Hitler

From political leaders to influencers, we do find ourselves drawn to those who confidently tell us what to do. This phenomenon is not new; it's deeply rooted in our psychology and has manifested in various forms throughout history. As Wiki says:

Authority bias is the tendency to attribute greater accuracy to the opinion of an authority figure (unrelated to its content) and be more influenced by that opinion.^[1] An individual is more influenced by the opinion of this authority figure, believing their views to be more credible, and hence place greater emphasis on the authority figure's viewpoint and are more likely to obey them. This concept is considered one of the social cognitive biases or collective cognitive biases

Hence why some people fall for inappropriate of self-destructive circumstances. Take Eva Braun's relationship with Adolf Hitler.

Despite Hitler's role as the architect of one of the darkest periods in history, Braun, his longtime companion, seemed captivated by his charisma and personal charms, even agreeing to marry him prior to a joint suicide.

What was her motivation for this?

Hitler's ability to project an image of strength and conviction was magnetic, even if it was coupled with evident neuroticism. Braun's deep affection for him appears to have allowed her to overlook the destructive consequences of his leadership.

Hitler's public persona may have created an allure that transcended the atrocities he orchestrated. For Eva Braun, personal feelings likely obscured the broader impact of his actions.

A modern striking example of this ‘love for authority’  phenomenon was 'Jacindamania.'

above: The Height of 'Jacindamania'

The adoration for Jacinda Ardern (it could be argued) went beyond mere political support; it's was a fervent admiration for her authoritative yet empathetic leadership style. However, this is one facet of an appeal that engaged with a broad spectrum of interests, policies and initiatives – all appealing to a broad widely disparate base of support.

But do we defer to authority figures with enthusiasm bordering on love?

Perhaps. neurologically, our brains are wired to seek guidance and reassurance from authoritative

figures. Research has shown that the presence of a perceived authority figure can activate the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Like it or not, we have an almost fetishistic relationship with authority. Even confidence trickster knows they are more likely to succeed if they can claim to be ‘royalty’ or ‘related’ to the rich and powerful. Personal development and life coaching have great potentials to assist people to find their own purpose and resist such hoaxes, in my opinion.

The infamous Milgram experiment further highlights our inclination to obey authority, even when it goes against our moral compass. (it was Milgram who coined the term ‘authority bias’ as a result). In this study, participants administered increasingly severe electric shocks to an unseen person simply because an authority figure instructed them to do so. The shocking results demonstrated the power of

authority in influencing human behaviour.

N.B. my motivation for posting this blogxerpt is to encourage us to interrogate ‘authority’ and so in that spirit check out: https://psmag.com/social-justice/electric-schlock-65377 which may debunk some of Milgram’s work.

However, knowing something does not mean we should  ‘weaponise’ it for personal or political gain.  Beauty is, after all… for example Labelling support for Donald Trump as akin to being in a cult is a contentious accusation that oversimplifies the diversity of opinions within his base.

While some critics draw parallels between Trump's leadership style and characteristics associated with cults, such as strong loyalty and unquestioning allegiance, it's essential to recognise the complexity of political affiliations.

Political dynamics are nuanced, and reducing them to simplistic comparisons (whether it be Ardern or Trump)  risks undermining the validity of diverse political opinions and the democratic process itself.

It is better to engage in open and respectful dialogue to understand the multifaceted reasons behind political affiliations rather than resorting to broad generalisations.

But this is not the same as suggesting a total rejection of the appeal that ‘authority’ as it is perceived, has, and its great appeal for many who support such figures.

The influence of authority figures extends beyond politics. Social media influencers, celebrities, and tech moguls also wield significant power.

Their recommendations can shape consumer behaviour, from the products we buy to the ideas we adopt. Our fascination with authority figures is not just a quirk of human nature; it's a deeply ingrained trait that has evolved over centuries.

Our love for being told what to do is a complex interplay of psychology, neurobiology, and societal dynamics. Whether it's political leaders or social media influencers, authority figures hold a special place in our hearts and minds. Understanding this phenomenon can shed light on our collective behaviour and the power dynamics that shape our choices in the modern world.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authority_bias

https://psmag.com/social-justice/electric-schlock-65377

https://psychology.fandom.com/wiki/Milgram_experiment