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Sadly, peer pressure isn't a social pattern that changes in adult society. This is why many people might easily align with a certain leader.
One of the fundamental factors as to why people are drawn to the idea of a higher authority or power is the need for an idealized parental figure.
However, a dictator doesn't necessarily seize power illegally. For example, Adolf Hitler's Nazi party won legal elections in 1932 through simple majority votes.
People have a tendency to get influenced by leaders with a big following. In other words, people easily fall into peer pressure.
A dictator is a political leader who possesses absolute power and authority. Often associated with brutal tendencies towards their own people, dictators can define laws and punishments in all areas of government and military.
Unfortunately, this thirst for a parental figure can blind one to the fact that no such perfect figure exists. A tyrannical leader can easily exploit this unquestioning worship.
Then there's also those who achieve more power and followers by siding with the designated "norms." Those followers enjoy clique acceptance, even when the leader is malicious.
These charismatic types are masters of outward confidence, which is reassuring for those who feel unsteady or insecure.
Sigmund Freud once explained that dictators prey upon religious impulses by crafting secular cults around themselves.
Be it politicians or celebrities, people turn to figures who possess charisma, strength, and power, which are some of the ingredients of an authoritarian leader.
On some level, people admire or even envy authoritarian leaders. Confidence, power, and/or money are all things they have, which you might want and strive for.
Perhaps due to fear of responsibility or retribution, some people would rather stay safe on the sidelines and let someone else run the show.
Sadly, people underestimate the machinations of tyrants, who don't have any concerns for others and do whatever they can to get ahead.
In a healthy society, mutual trust is a cornerstone of community strength. But, unfortunately, our goodwill and faith in human kindness can sometimes fool us to the point of manipulation.
When your life seems to be breaking down, it's the allure of the person who seems to have it all that draws you in. Even if it's all a bogus promise.
The truth is that it's easier to be exploited by a confident tyrant when you don't critically question or examine their statements or motivations.
When people are scared, in a crisis, or simply feel a lack of control in their own life, they turn to fantasy figures to get a sense of power and strength.
They're also not as skeptical or worried about too much power concentrated with one single individual.
Sources: (Psychology Today) (Grunge) (Aeon)
See also: Meet the wives of infamous dictators
Unfortunately, many people seem fine with going along with the status quo. They're unwilling to stay informed, and unbothered about questioning things that don't make logical sense.
Humans are sadly status-oriented creatures, who are obsessed with clothes, cars, name brands, titles, fame, and glamour. So when a strong leader exhibits these superficial markers, it's easy for people to put them on a pedestal.
After coming to legitimate power, dictators sometimes twist the law to their favor. And they're cheered along the way.
On Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, stand two colossal statues of leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. In a religious manner, North Koreans walk up to the statues with their arms held to their sides and bow in rows.
Then there are people who actually identify with, and admire, the predatory behavior of dictators. Even if it's only on some level.
This passivity can work to some extent in terms of hiding from initial attention or conflict. However, it's a dangerous way to let tyrants proceed without accountability.
On some level, some people admire the dark side that they suppress within themselves or feel that they can't pursue. They then enjoy the freedom tyrants have to break rules and achieve their glory.
The desire for authority is often a reflection of the fear of loss of control and safety. So if people are afraid, they might follow a dictator, even if it costs them rights and freedoms.
With iconography and rituals reminiscent of religious ceremonies, these leaders can even fulfill the function of gods. However, not only gods...
However, these markers usually have no correlation to morality, kindness, or depth of human character. They're only badges of entitlement to show off.
This is partly because parents are the basis for your survival during childhood. And when things go awry with flawed parents, for many the craving for the support of a strong, powerful parent figure only increases.
Why do people welcome authoritarian and tyrannical leaders time and time again? Found in governments throughout history, it seems that certain personalities keep popping up in positions of power. By being charismatic and charming, but also calculating and cruel, dictators are often strikingly similar. But even with all their abusive and manipulative traits, people can easily worship and follow them willingly. It turns out that the admirers of dictators share common characteristics as well.
Intrigued? Let's discover what they are in the following slides.
The psychology behind admiration for authoritarian leaders
Do you know why people follow tyrants?
LIFESTYLE Psychology
Why do people welcome authoritarian and tyrannical leaders time and time again? Found in governments throughout history, it seems that certain personalities keep popping up in positions of power. By being charismatic and charming, but also calculating and cruel, dictators are often strikingly similar. But even with all their abusive and manipulative traits, people can easily worship and follow them willingly. It turns out that the admirers of dictators share common characteristics as well.
Intrigued? Let's discover what they are in the following slides.