Did Stanley Milgram Get It Wrong? Part 2
In an earlier writing I discussed the possibility that Stanley Milgram misinterpreted the results of his famous Obedience Studies. He concluded that many citizens under an authoritarian rule will comply with the authority running the state. Ordinary people living ordinary lives will go along with the ruling class.
Recent studies have offered a different interpretation of the his outcomes. Rather than blindly following an authority’s orders, it seems that those who follow a strong authoritative person do so, not out of blind obedience but because the authority offers them a more compelling vision.
Applying these conclusions to the reasons trump supporters are adamant in sticking with their man we concluded earlier that it was because a Trump offered his supporters a vision of the world they wanted. A world where white supremacy and conforming Christianity were the norm.
If this is accurate, it seems there are several implications for those of us who want to create a more fair, just and abundant world for all. A world where all could thrive, not just white nationalists or white Christians.
1. Our vision of this world must be so compelling and desirable that it becomes embedded in the very fabric of who we are. If we can do this, it possibly would appeal to those trump supporters who are wavering and beginning to doubt their commitment to their old world view. This, however, seems unlikely.
2. Recent polls have suggested that trump supporters make up only about 30 to 40% of the population. In other words there are more of us than there are of them.
3. My years of teaching and facilitating classes and workshops has proven to me that the most powerful learning occurs through experiential activities. Lecturing is effective for only about 20% of the learning population. Therefore, it seems from my experience that for effective change from trump’s vision to a better one would be through life experiences. Trump supporters must experience the outcomes and results of how trump’s world would impact their lives. The havoc and destruction that would happen to everyone if Trump’s vision ever came about. In other words showing the chickens coming home to roost.
4. Without these life experiences it is unlikely that while there will always be a hard core set of believers who will never change, there are also many who are wavering.they are beginning to regret their earlier support of trump.
Solutions
Therefore if the above is true , it seems that there are many choices:
1. Do nothing. Let the natural flow of outcomes happen. Or…
2. Since no one is able to control the results of doing nothing, it seems better to do something. Creating a strong vision of what we want is the first first step. This can best be summarized in the short YouTube video. This 4 or 5 minute video is crucial to creating change. https://youtu.be/c_g1BMVFcuw
3. Having done the above two steps, it becomes necessary to develop skills for convincing others. Suggestions for this can be found at: https://youtu.be/lgXqaS08ZqM
4. Work on fulfilling our vision. Define what it is and follow through with offering possibilities using media, stories, film etc to inform and demonstrate outcomes.
5. Setup role models, Deli Lama, Lincoln, MLK.
6. Most importantly, examining our own assumptions, asking how do I know that my vision compelling as it is is right for everyone? Do I think that because it is right for me it should be universally applied? Am I acting out of fear that the values represented by the other side conflict with my most basic values? If they do then can I consider other views.
7. Realize that none of these is guaranteed to work, there are no guarantees. We can only try.
Change happens when a few people, even 3 or 4, commit to creating a better world.
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts
of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”
The Himalayan Mountain Expedition
In terms of the current situation, the voting power is available to change the tide of our country's direction for the last four years, towards a more perfect and fair outcome for all citizens. All we have to do is vote. I saw what voting could do in 2008. That kind of voting in those kinds of numbers, is required today more than ever.
In the meantime, keep coming up with ways to make our country a kinder, gentler citizen of the world, sharing in all of its pain and glory as we feel the badly wounded earth and move peacefully to outer space.
Ron