The Rise of Bullies in Power: Safeguarding Democracy in a World of Extremes
So there is NO misunderstanding….. I hate bullies. Why do we allow bullies to be promoted, elected, or to win?
This age-old question has numerous answers. Often, individuals who rise to power lack genuine leadership qualities. People enable bullies because they are perceived as high performers, bring in substantial revenue or clients, or appeal to the masses with the right rhetoric. I worked for the RCMP and saw folks promoted who clearly had no people or communication skills. Again and again, rewarded for bad toxic bullying behaviour. This phenomenon is not surprising; recent global politics have shown us how elected bullies quickly become greedy, corrupt, and power-obsessed dictators.
Democracy is not a given; it is a dynamic, living process that requires active participation from every citizen. Whenever there is a shift towards extreme right or left ideologies, the risk of power abuse and dictatorship increases. Promotion or election does not necessarily equate to intelligence or humanitarianism. We must value each other, speak up for each other, and be mindful of whom we elect. Every election has consequences, and in some cases, these consequences are global. From the article in Psychology Today by Fathali M. Moghaddam
I was researching in Iran in 1979 when I experienced my first ‘springboard moment’. It was amazing to see history being made all around me, but the changes I saw were not in a positive direction; it felt like a bad dream that I could not avoid, no matter how much I tried. The ‘springboard moment’ came, the potential dictator leaped and became an actual dictator, and the door was closed to democracy. Another generation of Iranian lost their opportunity to gain freedom.
But what exactly is a ‘springboard moment’?
The springboard moment makes the difference between potential and actual dictators. In terms of personality characteristics, we all have potential dictators around us, at work, at school, in family life – potential dictators are in all human groups. But what these potential dictators lack is the ‘springboard’ to enable them to leap to power.
Numerous case studies try to show how Stalin, or Hitler, or some of the modern dictators are ‘special’ in their personality characteristics – how they are high on traits such as narcissism (a state in which only the needs, feelings, and wishes of the person are real), for example. What these studies fail to point out is that there are millions of other individuals who score just as high on traits such as narcissism, but never get the opportunity to spring to power, they never have their ‘springboard moments’.
Take, for example, the recent situation in Venezuela (article below), where an election marred by dishonesty and illegality has deeply affected its citizens. Sanctions from other countries impact the populace directly. When we support leaders with extreme views that exclude, violate, or abuse others, we all suffer. Brilliant individuals often leave their home countries to thrive elsewhere due to oppressive regimes. Once you know people from countries with dictators or war you take an emotional interest in what is happening. This is good for creating opportunities to discuss rigged elections, power imbalance, violence, dictators and abuse of office.
Dictators thrive on greed, lust for power, instilling fear, and silencing dissent. These actions are cowardly. History shows us how dictators manipulate, abuse, and use propaganda to gain power. Once in power, they cling to it, removing or killing anyone who opposes them. Basic human rights erode, and what was once a productive democracy vanishes. Losing freedom makes it incredibly difficult to regain.
We cannot take democracy for granted in Canada. Although we have not yet elected someone with extreme views, we must remain vigilant. We need to pay attention to who is sowing seeds of discontent and eroding human rights, inclusivity, reproductive rights, and other crucial issues in our communities. Politics is often described as a dirty game, but does it have to be? We should ask ourselves whether we want politicians who represent our best interests at the expense of others. It is crucial to recognize our commonalities: the desire for jobs, homes, clean water, education, and a society that encourages free speech and freedom.
Dictators often exploit global distractions to create environments of fear and resistance to change. They rely on people doing nothing and saying nothing, which allows them to stay in power and enables their supporters to benefit from the dictatorship. Freedom and democracy are only as strong as those willing to speak up and stand up for the rights of all.
From my perspective, dictators are bullies on steroids, allowed, enabled, and often encouraged to use corruption, violence, and murder to remain in power.