The Threat of Authoritarianism in the Name of Bigotry

[sheshe2]

by Nancy LeTourneau

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we enjoy as a result of living in a democratic republic. But it is important to keep in mind that those freedoms have been granted to many in this country only recently. A study by Steven Miller and Nicholas Davis points out why they might still be under threat.

Using World Values Surveys from 1995 to 2011, we find that intolerance toward cultural, ethnic, or racial “others” reduces the value that white Americans assign to democracy. Perhaps more troubling, these attitudes also increase white individuals’ openness to undemocratic alternatives—white Americans who exhibit social intolerance are more likely to dismiss the value of separation of powers and to support army rule.

In other words, for these Americans, xenophobia trumps democracy when it comes to priorities. Or as Noah Berlatsky puts it: “when intolerant white people fear democracy may benefit marginalized people, they abandon their commitment to democracy.” He further concludes:

The World Values Survey data used is from the period 1995 to 2011 — well before Donald Trump’s 2016 run for president. It suggests, though, that Trump’s bigotry and his authoritarianism are not separate problems, but are intertwined. When Trump calls Mexicans “rapists,” and when he praises authoritarian leaders, he is appealing to the same voters.

Read More:https://washingtonmonthly.com/2018/05/28/the-threat-of-authoritarianism-in-the-name-of-bigotry/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+washingtonmonthly%2Frss+%28Political+Animal+at+Washington+Monthly%29

[KPN]

1. K&R

[Me.]

2. This Line Says It All To Me

“when intolerant white people fear democracy may benefit marginalized people, they abandon their commitment to democracy.”

[sheshe2]

3. Amazing they harm themselves

in order not to help the marginalized. Too stupid to walk this earth.

[Me.]

4. Mindblowing In Its Ignorance