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In reply to the discussion: Do you know more about science and technology than the average American? [View all]Snarkoleptic
(6,014 posts)30. There's an intersting (and free to download) book about the authoritarian mindset.
http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~altemey/
For me, this book explained a lot of behavior that I'd previously been puzzled by. I downloaded it and read it on my daily train commute, nearly missed my stop as I neared the end.
From the author-
This book was written in 2006, halfway through George W. Bushs second term as president. A great deal was wrong with America then, and I thought the research on authoritarian personalities could explain a lot of it. Since then a new administration has been elected, and although it has had to deal with a very serious economic crisis brought on by others, it is taking steps to correct some of what is wrong.
However, the forces that largely caused the problems have remained on the scene, and are more active today than ever before. As I try to show in the Comment on the Tea Party Movement (link to the left), the research findings in this book apply at least as strongly to America today as they did four years ago. Indeed, the events of 2009 and 2010 have confirmed conclusion after conclusion in The Authoritarians. I wrote in 2006 that the authoritarians in America were not going to go away if they lost the 2008 election, that they would be infuriated if a new president tried to carry out his mandate. That has certainly been the case.
If you check the hit counter on this page, youll see that this site has been visited nearly 300,000 times so far. The feedback Ive gotten from those who have read The Authoritarians enables me to give you the major reason why you might want to do so too. It ties things together for me, people have said, You can see how so many things all fit together. It explains the things about conservatives that didnt make any sense to me, others have commented. And the one that always brings a smile to my face, Now at last I understand my brother-in-law (or grandmother, uncle, woman in my car pool, Congressman, etc.).
Maybe itll work that way for you too.
Bob Altemeyer
May, 2010
For me, this book explained a lot of behavior that I'd previously been puzzled by. I downloaded it and read it on my daily train commute, nearly missed my stop as I neared the end.
From the author-
This book was written in 2006, halfway through George W. Bushs second term as president. A great deal was wrong with America then, and I thought the research on authoritarian personalities could explain a lot of it. Since then a new administration has been elected, and although it has had to deal with a very serious economic crisis brought on by others, it is taking steps to correct some of what is wrong.
However, the forces that largely caused the problems have remained on the scene, and are more active today than ever before. As I try to show in the Comment on the Tea Party Movement (link to the left), the research findings in this book apply at least as strongly to America today as they did four years ago. Indeed, the events of 2009 and 2010 have confirmed conclusion after conclusion in The Authoritarians. I wrote in 2006 that the authoritarians in America were not going to go away if they lost the 2008 election, that they would be infuriated if a new president tried to carry out his mandate. That has certainly been the case.
If you check the hit counter on this page, youll see that this site has been visited nearly 300,000 times so far. The feedback Ive gotten from those who have read The Authoritarians enables me to give you the major reason why you might want to do so too. It ties things together for me, people have said, You can see how so many things all fit together. It explains the things about conservatives that didnt make any sense to me, others have commented. And the one that always brings a smile to my face, Now at last I understand my brother-in-law (or grandmother, uncle, woman in my car pool, Congressman, etc.).
Maybe itll work that way for you too.
Bob Altemeyer
May, 2010
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Do you know more about science and technology than the average American? [View all]
Snarkoleptic
Apr 2013
OP
I don't consider myself a science nerd and it was basic stuff. I have trouble believing anyone alive
freshwest
Apr 2013
#133
If the females asked were in the Full Quiver movement, no. This should be basic school both sexes.
freshwest
Apr 2013
#212
I think the more you know, the more humble you are, so I don't know about showing off. I blame the
freshwest
Apr 2013
#235
Yup! Thought it was hydrogen. I went back and forth and couldn't remember.
Behind the Aegis
Apr 2013
#94
You scored better than 85% of the public, below 7% and the same as 8%. Wow that is scary because
lunasun
Apr 2013
#16
There's an intersting (and free to download) book about the authoritarian mindset.
Snarkoleptic
Apr 2013
#30
13/13... I even got my gender and age group right, so I guess that's really 15/15!
opiate69
Apr 2013
#39
They ask about education; they should have asked if the respondent reads DU. 13/13.
lumberjack_jeff
Apr 2013
#58
I drove a truck for 40years. I don't remember any of that from school, I just enjoy reading
demosincebirth
Apr 2013
#75
I got 12/13. I am the 15%!!!!!! Currently majoring in computer engineering. n/t
alp227
Apr 2013
#110
I took chemistry but not any science other than that, so I did much better than I expected.
JDPriestly
Apr 2013
#146
13. But then, I'm older....and the school system was more thorough on some things!
PDJane
Apr 2013
#157
13/13, progressives are just more aware IMHO...most progressive I talk to are fairly knowledgeable
uponit7771
Apr 2013
#188
13/13. Had to think whether Nitrogen or Hydrogen was most common, but made the right call. nt
geek tragedy
Apr 2013
#205
If I only knew the difference between "infrared" and "ultraviolet" I would've aced it.
Buns_of_Fire
Apr 2013
#208
Yep, that was a toughie and the front-runner for most difficult question.
Snarkoleptic
Apr 2013
#240