May 6, 2016

A Freudian take on Trump vs. Bernie

http://blog.timesunion.com/hoffmanfiles/a-freudian-take-on-trump-vs-bernie/3737/

If you know anything about Psychology, then you most likely know who Sigmund Freud was. And, if you also know anything about Psychology, then you most likely know that Sigmund Freud’s findings and theories have been disputed by many in the psychological community over the past few decades. He is still credited as the father of modern psychoanalysis, but many point out that his research was lacking in scientific credibility, as well as claims that some of his findings were sexist in nature. Still, there are those who respect much of what Freud accomplished, and still cling to some of his theories.


Why wouldn’t somebody feel comfortable revealing their inner most demons to this nice gentleman? (New York Times)
One of Freud’s most famous theories centered on his study of personality. Freud hypothesized that the human personality was a little bit like an iceberg, not unlike the one that brought down the “Titanic”. (Spoiler alert – The boat sinks at the end.) Like an iceberg, Freud claimed that we only reveal a little bit of ourselves above the surface, but that in fact, there is much about our personality that remains hidden from view. Freud theorized that humans possess three distinct levels of personality all wrestling to gain control of our thoughts and actions. Freud called them the id, the ego, and the superego.


It has also lead to some peculiar voting pattern this election year. (You Tube)
I believe that old “Siggy” Freud would have had a field day with the “personalities” now vying for the position of leader of the “Free World”. I especially believe he would have found it quite enjoyable to be able to sit back and analyze the two victors in the New Hampshire Primary, Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders. If we apply the Freudian standards of personality analysis, I think you’ll see that both of these men fit neatly into Freud’s theory on personality. Furthermore, I believe both of these men are extensions of the extreme political elements within the country that they seek to lead.


B.F. Skinner is far more recognized today than Freud when it comes to his methods and theories. Since Skinner believed in outcome based behavior, he would have had a very simple explanation for Trump’s success so far. According to Skinner’s theory, every time Trump says something really ignorant or foolish, he is rewarded by higher poll numbers. Therefore, his penchant for saying foolish or ignorant things are constantly being reinforced. (New York Times)
First let us examine the phenomenon that is “The Donald”. For months, the pundits predicted that he would fade, and sure enough, he did come in second in Iowa. While the Republican electorate in Iowa certainly tilted towards that old “Canuck” Ted Cruz, Trump’s bluster and over-confidence made his defeat in Iowa more of a story than “Toronto” Ted’s victory. However, any report of Trump’s demise would appear to be a bit presumptous. He doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, and he has the money and the “chutzpah” (Chutzpah is a Yiddish word, it means “Cojones”. Cojones is a Spanish word it means, um, Trump has substantial confidence emanating from his groin.) to keep his “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” of a campaign going on indefinitely. (Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride used to be an attraction at Disney World. I’m not sure how wild it truly was since it was broken when my father took me there in 1974.)


A Trump presidency would probably result in more than a few cabinet members hearing this phrase. (You Tube)
Freud imagined that the id in our personality represented our basic instinctive needs. They are with us from birth, and they are largely animalistic. Freud stated that the id was the source of our sexual and aggressive drives. Trump represents our id. Think about what it is about him that would explain his popularity and success so far.

He says whatever he wants, and it becomes everyone else’s problem if they don’t like it.
His statements regarding banning all Muslims or building a wall to keep illegal immigrants out appeals to the collective id’s of so many Americans. It targets our anger and our fears, our two most basic emotions. (Some claim that anger isn’t an emotion, but is instead a reaction to emotion…but, you get it.)
He doesn’t seek out consensus for what he’s trying to do, instead he gives orders in an authoritarian style that seems decisive and assertive.
Americans always want what they don’t have. After eight years of Bush’s “gut instinct based decision making”, Obama’s deliberate thoughtfulness seemed refreshing. Now, people have tired of Obama’s style and they want someone who acts instinctively, and let’s the chips fall where they may.



There is a segment of the American people who gravitate to Trump’s message, and who feel frustrated by Obama’s message of tolerance and understanding. Also, some people simply can’t “rock the turban”. (You Tube)
If Trump represents our collective id, then Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont appeals to our superego. According to Freud, the superego reflects the rules and morals we get from our parents. The superego criticizes our fantasies, feelings, and actions. It utilizes the weapon that every child of a Jewish or Italian Catholic mother has been nuked with countless times in their sorry lives…guilt! Bernie Sanders’ popularity with a significant segment of our population can be explained by his ability to appeal to our superego.

He reminds us of the corruption and greed in our society, and how the people who have been most skilled at parlaying those attributes, have not only achieved immense power and wealth, they have fixed it so it is more difficult for others to do the same.
His call for universal healthcare appeals to our concern over the idea that all Americans have the right to decent, affordable, and accessible healthcare.
Bernie has stated that since this is the 21st century, and education is the surest way to lift somebody out of poverty, and so many students are straddled with massive amounts of crippling debt, four-year public colleges should be free. Liberals and conservatives alike want to see the children of lower income families graduate from colleges at a higher rate, so why not make this a reality by eliminating the cost of tuition?
Americans are sick of war. They are tired of seeing America’s best and bravest killed in what seems like to so many both pointless and senseless struggles on the other side of the earth. Bernie has reminded us that if he is elected, America will think long and hard before committing to any military action or involving itself in any military interventions. Bernie has tapped into our superego’s desire for peace.

Nothing can harsh a buzz quite like Bernie with a bullhorn. (New York Times)
So if Bernie Sanders represents our superego, and Trump channels our id, who will emerge as America’s ego? According to Freud, the ego manages our personality. It attempts to satisfy the id, but in a way that will prove to be beneficial in the long run. The ego represents our ability to reason and our common sense. Is there a presidential candidate who presently fills that void? Is it Hillary? Too polarizing. Is it Jeb? Wrong last name. Rubio? Angry and robotic. Cruz…he’s cuckoo for coco-puffs. John Kasich? Probably too much of an insider. Chris Christie? Too much New Jersey. Ben Carson? Too mellow. (By the way, does anybody else find it hard to believe that “Dr. Feelgood” was a brilliant brain surgeon? Did anyone actually see him perform surgery?)


Perhaps this Jim Gilmore fellow deserves a second look? (You Tube)
The nominating process as it functions now plays to the extreme elements in both parties. It is little wonder that the candidates who presently have the momentum appeal to our id and superego. What the current process doesn’t do is allow candidates who suggest compromise and thoughtfulness to rise to the top or even get any notice. Is there a person who could emerge as our collective ego?

Yes, imagine somebody with the dignity and strength of George Washington, the patience and wisdom of Abraham Lincoln, the belief that you can make a difference that defined Franklin D. Roosevelt, the energy of Teddy Roosevelt, the reassuring calm of Ronald Reagan, and of course, the voice of Morgan Freeman. Who wouldn’t want to listen to that? Is there a candidate running right now who possesses these qualifications? That is what the process is all about. Hopefully that person will emerge.

I can’t say I’m brimming with confidence. As one of my students said just yesterday, “All I want is someone who can fix things, and protect us from ISIS.” That doesn’t seem all that unreasonable. Even if Marco Rubio or John Kasich emerge as the nominee for the Republican Party, what incentive would there be for the 50 odd Democrats in the United States Senate after the 8 years the Republicans just put Obama through for them to cooperate on the agenda of any Republican president?


Hail to you, imaginary President Freeman! (You Tube)
Now that I think about it, why would anybody want this job in the first place?