Reply #28: Cognitive Dissonance

[Ufomammut]

Coupled with a healthy does of Puritan sexual oppression and a lack of critical thinking skills ...which translates into, cannot think for themselves, which explains what is often referred to as the repug's "strict party discipline."

The average repug is highly susceptible to the coercion of "groupthink," and will vehemently follow party rhetoric, ideology and propaganda to a T because they're able to internalize the lies. Part of this tendency stems from natural, reasonable traits: wanting solidarity, but especially wanting solidarity within what is commonly perceived as "right," "moral," and "strong." So when you couple mental laziness with vast 24/7 propaganda, and a "way of life" that, in our country, at least regarding economics and domestic policy, promotes mindless consumerism and competition above all else, a low common denomenator is being exploited. Since it affects so many, it's easy for them to be whipped into a nationalistic fervor by their Corporate Masters.

Also, a crucial aspect in understanding the right wing movement is to have a grasp on psychology, and the dynamics of manipulating mass psychology. In those terms, the rightist movement is grounded in projection; to impute to others that which you are most guilty of yourself. And of course, never underestimate the power of denial - and that goes for many people in this country, not just the immoral fools who align themselves with the right.