The psychological traits of true believers in mass movements can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders.
Who Are the True Believers?
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Category Archives: Actions
Social Media Platforms in Protests & Civil Disobedience
Social media platforms are central tools in organizing, amplifying, and documenting protest movements, including both legal demonstrations and acts of civil disobedience. Their influence extends to nearly every phase of modern activism.
Key Functions of Social Media in Protests
Organization and Mobilization
- Rapid Communication: Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram enable instant alerts and updates to large audiences.
- Event Coordination: Details about protest times, locations, and changes can be distributed quickly.
- Recruitment: Movements reach new supporters, often beyond traditional activist circles.
Information Sharing
- Education: Infographics, videos, and threads explain protest goals, legal rights, and safety tips.
- Real-Time Updates: Live streams and posts provide on-the-ground news, especially when mainstream media coverage is lacking.
- Resource Distribution: Legal aid contacts, medical help, or transportation details are easily shared.
Public Awareness and Narrative Control
- Framing the Message: Movements can frame their demands and actions, independently of government or traditional media narratives.
- Viral Content: Hashtags and viral posts can bring national or global attention to local issues quickly.
Documentation and Evidence
- Recording Events: Videos and photos document both peaceful protest and any incidents of violence or repression.
- Accountability: Livestreams and real-time sharing can deter misconduct by authorities and provide evidence for legal defense.
Solidarity and Morale
- Community Building: Supporters express solidarity, encourage one another, and build a sense of collective purpose.
- International Support: Protests in one country can inspire or support similar movements elsewhere. Risks and Challenges
Surveillance and Infiltration
- Monitoring: Law enforcement may monitor public posts or infiltrate private groups.
- Data Collection: Social media data can be used in prosecutions or to target activists.
Disinformation and Smear Campaigns
- False Narratives: Opponents may spread misinformation or attempt to discredit the movement.
- Trolling and Harassment: Activists may face online abuse or threats.
Privacy Concerns
- Doxxing: Personal information may be exposed.
- Platform Policies: Posts or accounts can be removed, limiting reach or erasing documentation. Best Practices for Protesters on Social Media
- Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: For sensitive coordination, prefer Signal, Telegram (private chats), or similar platforms.
- Limit Location Sharing: Disable geotags and avoid posting live locations unless necessary.
- Use Pseudonyms: Protect personal identity where possible.
- Fact-Check Information: Prevent spread of rumors or unverified claims.
- Backup Important Content: Download key videos/photos in case accounts are suspended or content is removed. Conclusion
Social media is a double-edged sword: It empowers protest movements with unprecedented coordination and amplification, but also exposes activists to risks. Effective protest training now always includes a section on digital security, smart communication, and narrative control through social media.
Organizing Effective and Peaceful Protest Training
Pre-Workshop Preparation
-Legal consultation: Connect with civil rights attorneys familiar with local protest laws
-Venue selection: Choose accessible locations with proper facilities
-Materials: Prepare handouts on legal rights, emergency contacts, and safety protocols
Workshop Agenda Structure
Session 1: Legal Rights and Responsibilities (60 minutes)
- Know your constitutional rights (1st Amendment protections)
- Understanding permit requirements and legal protest zones
- Interaction protocols with law enforcement
- Legal observer roles and documentation
- What to do if arrested
Session 2: Nonviolent Resistance Principles (45 minutes)
- Historical context and effectiveness of peaceful protest
- De-escalation techniques
- Maintaining discipline under pressure
- Building coalition and inclusive messaging
Session 3: Safety and Security (45 minutes)
- Personal safety protocols
- Communication systems and emergency contacts
- Identifying potential risks and exit strategies
- Medical considerations and first aid basics
- Digital security and privacy protection
Session 4: Effective Organization and Messaging (60 minutes)
- Clear goal setting and achievable objectives
- Media engagement and public communication
- Social media strategy and documentation
- Building sustainable movements
- Coordination with other groups
Session 5: Practical Scenarios and Role-Playing (45 minutes)
- Simulated interactions with counter-protesters
- Practice with media interviews
- Response to various law enforcement scenarios
- Group decision-making under pressure
Key Training Components
Facilitator Requirements:
- Experienced organizers or civil rights advocates
- Legal experts familiar with protest law
- Conflict resolution specialists
- Community leaders with grassroots experience
Follow-up Support:
- Ongoing legal hotline access
- Regular check-ins with participants
- Resource sharing networks
- Mental health and trauma support
The most effective protest training emphasizes peaceful, legal, and strategic action while ensuring participants understand both their rights and responsibilities as citizens engaging in democratic processes.
Who Are the True Believers?
The Psychological Makeup of the “True Believer” in Eric Hoffer’s Book
Eric Hoffer’s “The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements” (1951) is a seminal work that examines the psychology of individuals who become deeply committed to mass movements, whether political, religious, or social. Hoffer’s analysis focuses on the motivations and characteristics of these “true believers” and the conditions that make mass movements thrive.
Key Psychological Traits of the True Believer
1. Discontent with the Present Self: True believers often feel a deep dissatisfaction with their personal lives. They see themselves as ineffectual, powerless, or insignificant and seek to escape this reality by merging their identity with a larger cause or movement [1]. Hoffer argues that this dissatisfaction drives people to seek meaning and purpose in something external, often leading them to embrace ideologies that promise radical change.
2. Desire for Certainty and Simplicity: True believers are drawn to movements that offer clear, black-and-white answers to complex problems. They crave certainty and are often intolerant of ambiguity or nuance.
3. Willingness to Sacrifice Individuality: Hoffer notes that true believers are willing to subordinate their individuality to the collective identity of the movement. This allows them to feel part of something greater than themselves, which can be empowering but also leads to fanaticism.
4. Frustration and Resentment:!Many true believers harbor feelings of frustration and resentment, often directed at society, elites, or other groups they perceive as responsible for their struggles. This resentment fuels their commitment to the movement and their willingness to fight for its goals.
5. Faith in a Glorious Future: True believers are often motivated by a vision of a utopian future promised by the movement. This vision gives them hope and a sense of purpose, even if it requires sacrificing the present [2].
6. Susceptibility to Leadership: Hoffer emphasizes that true believers are often drawn to charismatic leaders who embody the ideals of the movement and provide a sense of direction and unity.
Comparison to Modern “True Believers”
The psychological traits Hoffer identified remain relevant today and can be observed in the followers of contemporary political figures like Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, and Bernie Sanders. While the specific ideologies and movements differ, the underlying motivations and behaviors of their most ardent supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis.
- Donald Trump: Many of Trump’s most devoted supporters exhibit traits of true believers, such as a strong desire for certainty, resentment toward perceived elites, and faith in Trump’s promises to “Make America Great Again.” His charismatic leadership and ability to channel frustration into a cohesive movement resonate with Hoffer’s description of mass movement dynamics.
- Kamala Harris and Barack Obama: Supporters of Harris and Obama often emphasize their hope for a more inclusive and equitable future. While their movements may not exhibit the same level of fanaticism as others, the faith in their leadership and vision for change reflects some of the psychological traits Hoffer described, particularly the desire for a better future and identification with a collective cause [2].
- Bernie Sanders: Sanders’ supporters often align with Hoffer’s analysis of frustration and resentment, particularly toward economic inequality and corporate power. His movement’s focus on systemic change and a vision of a more just society appeals to those seeking meaning and purpose through collective action.
Key Differences in Modern Contexts
While the psychological makeup of true believers remains consistent, modern mass movements are shaped by new factors:
- Social Media: Platforms like Twitter and Facebook amplify the reach of mass movements, allowing true believers to connect and organize more easily. This can intensify the sense of belonging and reinforce ideological echo chambers.
- Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.
- Polarization: Modern politics is highly polarized, which can deepen the divide between opposing groups of true believers and increase the intensity of their commitment.
- Diverse Ideologies: Unlike the mid-20th century, today’s mass movements span a broader range of ideologies, from progressive to conservative, reflecting the complexity of modern societies.
Conclusion
Eric Hoffer’s insights into the psychology of the true believer remain strikingly relevant in understanding the dynamics of modern mass movements. Whether supporting Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, or Bernie Sanders, true believers today share many of the same psychological traits Hoffer identified: dissatisfaction with the present, faith in a better future, and a willingness to subordinate individuality to a collective cause. However, the tools and contexts of modern movements—such as social media and political polarization—have added new dimensions to the phenomenon.
Open Letter to Our Spokane Community
With millions of people marching in the streets across the United States and 10,000 – 20,000 marching here in Spokane this would make a good topic for our local newspapers, comma and social media. It would also be an opportunity to disseminate strategic conversations across the nation.
The marchers are asking a fundamental question: How do we preserve democracy when so many of our neighbors seem willing to trade it for the promise of security?
It appears that there is a great deal of fear dividing our country in two. Why these fears, what needs to be done, and how can we do it? What do our readers think? What does our community think? What do others think?
This is a three part series. The first part describes the fears and what needs to be done to address them. The second part addresses why Black people should resist the loss of democracy, the third part deals with what needs to be done. Later articles can follow the progress of the Spokane fight for democracy.
The articles discuss various evidence-based approaches to enhance democratic resilience and social cohesion at government, institutional, and individual levels. They highlight the importance of economic interventions, leadership strategies, educational reforms, media responsibility, and personal engagement. The text outlines measures for specific demographic concerns while emphasizing the need for systemic changes and the importance of measuring success. Key factors for success include authenticity, inclusivity, patience, consistency, local focus, and bipartisan support.
Feedback from social media posts and interactions can be used to invite them to remove the fear, save democracy and participate in building a better community they want to live in.
Read the first article in the Fighting Fear series:
1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy
3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?
4. Join Fighting Fear and Volunteer
This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.
OPEN LETTER TO OUR SPOKANE COMMUNITY
With millions of people marching in the streets across the United States and 10,000 – 20,000 marching here in Spokane this would make a good topic for our local newspapers, comma and social media. It would also be an opportunity to disseminate strategic conversations across the nation.
Ann Marie Danimus engages with a man about abortion prior to U>S> Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s speedh at a Kootenai County GOP dinner in downtown Coeur d’Alene. 2022
The marchers are asking a fundamental question: How do we preserve democracy when so many of our neighbors seem willing to trade it for the promise of security?
It appears that there is a great deal of fear dividing our country in two. Why these fears, what needs to be done, and how can we do it? What do our readers think? What does our community think? What do others think?
This is a three part series. The first part describes the fears and what needs to be done to address them. The second part addresses why Black people should resist the loss of democracy, the third part deals with what needs to be done. Later articles can follow the progress of the Spokane fight for democracy.
The articles discuss various evidence-based approaches to enhance democratic resilience and social cohesion at government, institutional, and individual levels. They highlight the importance of economic interventions, leadership strategies, educational reforms, media responsibility, and personal engagement. The text outlines measures for specific demographic concerns while emphasizing the need for systemic changes and the importance of measuring success. Key factors for success include authenticity, inclusivity, patience, consistency, local focus, and bipartisan support.
Feedback from social media posts and interactions can be used to invite them to remove the fear, save democracy and participate in building a better community they want to live in.
Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
Robert “Bob” Lloyd info@4comculture.com 4comculture.com
Fighting Fear Articles
1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy
3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?
This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.
Why Blacks Should Resist Tyranny, the Loss of Democracy
Historical Context and Deep-Rooted Resistance
African Americans whose families have been in America since the 1400s and experienced slavery until the 1860s carry a unique and profound understanding of what happens when democratic institutions fail and authoritarian power goes unchecked. This lived experience across generations creates distinct motivations for resisting authoritarianism that differ significantly from more recent immigrant communities.
Generational Memory of Systemic Oppression
For African American communities with deep ancestral roots in America, the fight against Project 2025 and strongman leadership is informed by centuries of experiencing what happens when one group holds unchecked power. Their ancestors lived through:
- Slavery as a legal institution supported by government structures
- Jim Crow laws that used legal frameworks to enforce racial hierarchy
- Systematic exclusion from democratic participation despite constitutional promises
- State-sanctioned violence when they challenged existing power structures
This historical memory creates an acute awareness that democratic institutions, when weakened, can quickly become tools of oppression rather than protection.
Recent Immigrant Communities
The resistance motivations differ significantly from those of recent immigrants because:
For Long-Standing African American Communities:
- They cannot “go back” – America is their only home, making the stakes existential
- They’ve seen this playbook before – recognizing patterns of authoritarian consolidation
- They understand that “rocking the boat” is necessary – their ancestors’ progress came through resistance, not compliance
- They know that initial promises of stability often precede greater oppression
For Recent Immigrant Communities:
- May prioritize economic stability and fear jeopardizing newfound opportunities
- Might have different reference points for what constitutes dangerous authoritarianism
- Could be more willing to “wait and see” rather than immediately resist
- May fear that activism could threaten their status in ways that don’t apply to established communities
Understanding Project 2025’s Specific Threats
Project 2025 represents a particular threat to Black communities because it “includes a long list of extreme policy recommendations touching on nearly every aspect of American life, from immigration and abortion rights, to free speech and racial justice” [1]. The plan “would severely harm Black communities across the country” through its “radical proposals to restructure the federal government and increase the president’s authority” [2].
For communities with generational experience of oppression, these proposals echo historical patterns where concentrated executive power was used to maintain racial hierarchies and suppress civil rights progress.
The Stakes of Democratic Backsliding
African American communities with deep American roots understand that when presidents position themselves “as kings or strongman leaders,” the communities that suffer first and most severely are those who have historically been marginalized. Their resistance isn’t just political preference—it’s survival instinct informed by historical experience.
This creates a unique perspective where challenging authority isn’t “rocking the boat”—it’s preventing the boat from capsizing entirely. Their ancestors learned that waiting for gradual change or hoping that authoritarian leaders will self-limit often leads to deeper oppression, not eventual liberation.
The fight against authoritarianism, for these communities, represents a continuation of a centuries-long struggle for true democratic participation and protection under law.
What needs to be done?
What can be done to relieve these fears and concerns – by government, by leadership, by institutions, by individuals? What Needs To Be Done To Relieve Fear
4.
Fighting Fear Articles
1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy
3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?
4. Join Fighting Fear and Volunteer
This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.
Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
During the last few weeks millions have taken to US streets in urban, suburban and rural communities. They came to express their disapproval of the direction the government is moving. But why are so many others so afraid that they would choose a dictatorship, a monarchy or a strongman government? How can this be changed?
- Why these fears?
- Why Blacks will resist the loss of democracy
- What needs to be done?
- How can we do it?
why these fears?
This is a complex sociological and political question. Let’s break down the various fears and concerns that may influence support for authoritarian or strongman leaders.
Economic and Class-Based Fears
Working Class Concerns:
- Fear of continued economic displacement due to globalization and automation
- Anxiety about declining manufacturing jobs and wage stagnation
- Concerns about being “left behind” by rapid economic changes
- Fear of losing social status and economic security
Middle Class Anxieties:
- Worry about downward mobility for their children
- Healthcare cost concerns
- Education affordability fears
- Housing market pressures
Cultural and Social Fears
Demographic Change Anxiety:
- Fear of becoming a minority in traditionally majority-white communities
- Concerns about rapid cultural change
- Language and cultural preservation worries
- Immigration-related anxieties
Traditional Values Concerns:
- Fear of erosion of traditional family structures
- Religious freedom concerns
- Worry about changing gender roles and expectations
Demographic Breakdown
By Race/Ethnicity:
-White Americans (particularly rural/suburban): Higher rates of support often correlate with fears of demographic displacement, economic competition, and cultural change
-Hispanic Americans: Mixed patterns, with some supporting strong immigration enforcement due to economic competition concerns
-Black Americans: Generally lower support, but some concerns about economic competition and traditional values
-Asian Americans: Varied responses, with some supporting merit-based policies and law-and-order approaches
By Gender:
-Men: Often drawn to strongman imagery and promises of restored traditional masculine roles
-Women: More complex patterns, with some attracted to security promises while others concerned about reproductive rights and gender equality
By Age:
-Older Americans: Concerns about rapid social change and nostalgia for perceived “simpler times”
-Younger Americans: Generally less supportive, but some attracted to anti-establishment messaging
LGBTQ+ Community Considerations
The LGBTQ+ community generally show slower support for authoritarian movements due to:
- Historical persecution under authoritarian regimes
- Concerns about rollback of civil rights protections
- Fear of discrimination and marginalization
However, some subset concerns include:
-Security fears (particularly after incidents like the Pulse nightclub shooting)
-Economic anxieties that may override other concerns
-Single-issue voting on topics like immigration or taxes
Psychological and Social Factors
Authoritarian Personality Traits:
- Preference for order and hierarchy
- Discomfort with ambiguity and complexity
- Desire for clear, simple solutions
- Attraction to strong leadership figures
Social Identity Threats:
- Fear of group status decline
- In-group/out-group thinking
- Zero-sum worldview (believing others’ gains mean their losses)
Media and Information Environment
-Echo chambers reinforcing existing fears
-Disinformation amplifying perceived threats
-Social media algorithms promoting divisive content
-Declining trust in traditional institutions
Important Caveats
1.Individual variation: People within demographic groups have diverse views
2.Multiple motivations: Support often stems from combinations of factors
3.Context matters: Local conditions significantly influence attitudes
4.Temporal changes: These patterns shift over time with events and generational change
Why Blacks will Resist the loss of democracy
The fight against authoritarianism represents a continuation of a centuries-long struggle for true democratic participation and protection under law. CLICK HERE
Fighting Fear Articles
1. Why Are People So Afraid That They Choose Tyranny Over Democracy
2. Why Blacks Will Resist the Loss of Democracy
3. What Needs To Be Done to Relieve Fear?
4. Join Fighting Fear and Volunteer
This page provides examples of how you can be empowered. Feel free to look around 4comculture.com. Please also do research outside of the site.
198 Methods of Nonviolent Action
Practitioners of nonviolent struggle have an entire arsenal of “nonviolent weapons” at their disposal. Click here to see 198 of them, classified into three broad categories: nonviolent protest and persuasion, noncooperation (social, economic, and political), and nonviolent intervention. A description and historical examples of each can be found in volume two of The Politics of Nonviolent Action, by Gene Sharp
198 Methods of Nonviolent Action
Practitioners of nonviolent struggle have an entire arsenal of “nonviolent weapons” at their disposal. Listed below are 198 of them, classified into three broad categories: nonviolent protest and persuasion, noncooperation (social, economic, and political), and nonviolent intervention. A description and historical examples of each can be found in volume two of The Politics of Nonviolent Action, by Gene Sharp
