What Makes a Person Right Wing?
The term ldquo;right wingrdquo; is often associated with a range of political and social beliefs, reflecting a complex set of ideological and psychological factors. To understand what makes a person right wing, it's important to peel away the layers of stereotypes and delve into the underlying principles and characteristics.
Stereotypes and Creepiness
The concept of right-wing individuals being ldquo;creepyrdquo; is often rooted in misunderstandings. For many right-wing individuals, feelings of envy or derision towards those perceived as socially or economically superior can stem from a sense of inequality. This envy, or as some may call it, ldquo;creepiness,rdquo; can be a reaction to a society that values popularity and material success, rather than virtuous behavior or principle.
Political Ideology and Propaganda
Right-wing individuals often disagree with the entire agenda of the left, which includes the majority of Democrats. This disagreement can be driven by propaganda and a perception that the left tends to dictate policies rather than allow for genuine public input. Democracy, they argue, is inherently flawed, whereas right-wing ideologies advocate for a more authoritative government that respects traditional values and understands the importance of personal responsibility.
Belief in Constitutional Values
A profound aspect of right-wing ideology is the belief in the sanctity of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Right-wingers view these foundational documents as the bedrock upon which a free society is built. They seek to preserve individual rights and constitutional liberties, often perceiving that left-wing policies erode these principles.
Behavioral and Psychological Traits
Right-wingers tend to exhibit certain behavioral and psychological traits. They are often behaviorally conservative, aligning with the archetypal masculine values of duty, honor, and order. These individuals are typically high in trait-conscientiousness, which means they value discipline, reliability, and order. Low levels of neuroticism suggest they are generally emotionally stable, avoiding unnecessary emotional distress. Additionally, lower agreeableness can mean they are less concerned with others' feelings and more focused on achieving their goals.
Value of Truth over Feelings
Right-wing individuals often prioritize truth over feelings, aligning with the idea that one should sacrifice for the greater truth rather than compromise their principles. This value system stands in contrast to what some perceive as a feminized tendency towards prioritizing emotions and empathy.
Stability and Conservatism
The right-wing view often includes support for a stabilizing and conservative form of governance. Evolutionarily, this can be seen as a natural tendency to preserve what works, using these principles across various species and contexts. In political terms, this translates to a preference for traditional values, minimal government intervention, and a focus on individual freedoms and self-reliance.
Criticisms of Government and Political Practices
Right-wingers often argue for a smaller federal government, preferring state-level governance over federal control. They believe that state governments are better suited to handle welfare, unemployment, and other social programs. The idea is that individual states and communities can better understand and serve the needs of their constituents. Furthermore, a smaller federal government would mean less regulatory burden and fewer taxes, allowing individuals and businesses to retain more of their own money.
Another common criticism is that the government should stay out of private business and stop taxing enterprises. They argue that the government is not a business and does not make money, and its only source of income is through taxation. They point to the vast national debt and the allocation of taxpayer money to foreign aid as examples of mismanagement and a lack of accountability.
Trust in the Political System
Right-wing individuals often distrust politicians, viewing them as dishonest and elitist. The belief is that politicians are self-serving and operate primarily in their own interests rather than for the good of the people. This distrust stems from a perception that politicians often make promises they cannot keep or use the tax system to benefit themselves and their allies.
Overall, what makes a person right wing is a complex blend of ideological beliefs, psychological traits, and a deep-seated mistrust of the political system. While these beliefs can lead to polarization, they reflect a set of values that are deeply rooted in the history and cultural context of the United States.