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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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.
Tuesday reflections
Tuesday reflections are simple yet profound reflecting different aspects of humanity
Choices Now: Tyranny or Revolution
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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.
Drawn Together Tuesday
Drawn together Tuesday plays on both the artistic medium drawing and the unifying aspects of bringing diverse communities together.
What do you see and how do you feel?
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.
People Get Ready There’s a Train a Comin’
This song inspired by Curtis Mayfield’s song of the 60’s is meant to bring unity, courage, and hope to challenging times.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
The chains might rattle, but they won’t hold tight,
When love and resistance shine through the night.
Truth’s our engine, hope the tracks we ride,
We’ll break through the darkness, side by side.
People stay ready, there’s a storm ahead,
You don’t need no ticket, just rise instead.
Justice is calling, hear the freedom bell,
We’re fighting for tomorrow, where all can dwell.
There’s no room for hatred, no place for fear,
The time is now, the path is clear.
Together we’re mighty, together we’re strong,
We’ll write the future, where we belong.
So rise up boldly, let the world take note,
Freedom’s the anthem, every voice a vote.
People stay ready, the time has come,
We’re building the future, for everyone.
People stay ready, there’s a movement to start,
Bring your courage, your fire, your heart.
You don’t need permission, just take your stand,
The power’s in the people, hand in hand.
Coalitions
Building Coalitions and Bridges
To build coalitions and bridges beyond our own special interests:
- Identify Common Goals: Successful coalitions often start with a clear understanding of the common goals and the necessity of collaboration. The process involves identifying the problems or goals that bring organizations together, understanding the community’s needs, and assembling a diverse group of stakeholders who can contribute to achieving the coalition’s objectives [7].
- Engage Diverse Stakeholders: Include those most affected by the issue and leverage their unique perspectives and resources. This diversity can lead to more comprehensive and effective solutions.
- Focus on Shared Interests: Cross-racial coalitions, for example, have been successful in addressing issues like voting rights and economic opportunities by focusing on shared interests or common threats [8].
- Utilize Frameworks: Employ frameworks like the Health Impact Pyramid to assess local assets and challenges, coordinate activities, and monitor interventions effectively [9].
- Promote Open Communication: Foster a culture of open dialogue and shared responsibility among coalition members to ensure all voices are heard and valued.
Music Making Social Changes
Over the last hundred years, music has played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating social change. From labor movements to civil rights, anti-war protests to environmental activism, songs have served as powerful tools for communication, mobilization, and solidarity. Let’s explore some of the most influential songs and artists that have shaped social movements across different eras.
1920s-1950s: Labor Movements and Early Civil Rights
During this period, protest music primarily focused on labor rights and the emerging civil rights movement.
- “Which Side Are You On” by Florence Reece (1931)
This song emerged during the Harlan County War, a series of coal miner strikes in Kentucky. Written by Florence Reece, the wife of a union organizer, it became an anthem for the labor movement and was widely covered by artists like Pete Seeger [1]. - “Strange Fruit” by Billie Holiday (1939)
Originally a poem by Abel Meeropol, this haunting song protested the lynching of African Americans and became a powerful anthem for the civil rights movement. Its impact was significant in raising awareness about racial violence and injustice in America [2]. Billie Holiday’s emotional delivery made it one of the most significant protest songs of the era [3]. - “Ol’ Man River” by Paul Robeson (1927)
Originally written for the Broadway musical “Show Boat,” this song was transformed by Paul Robeson into a powerful statement on racial injustice. Robeson altered the lyrics to reflect the struggles of black Americans, making it a civil rights anthem [4].
1960s-1970s: Counterculture and Civil Rights Movements
The 1960s and 1970s saw an explosion of protest music, addressing issues from civil rights to the Vietnam War.
- “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan (1962)
This song became synonymous with the civil rights movement, asking poignant questions about peace and freedom. It was adopted by various social movements, highlighting its versatility and enduring appeal [5]. - “We Shall Overcome”
This song became the unofficial anthem of the civil rights movement. It was sung at protests and rallies, providing hope and unity among activists. Martin Luther King Jr. noted its power in inspiring courage and a sense of community [6]. - “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (1971)
This song addressed issues of war, poverty, and racial injustice, becoming a timeless call for social change and reflection [7]. - “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
Originally written by Otis Redding, Franklin’s version became a powerful anthem for both the feminist and civil rights movements, demanding respect and equality. - “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)
This song became an anthem of the anti-Vietnam War movement, critiquing the disparity between those who were drafted and those who were not.
The 1960s was a fertile era for the genre, especially with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, the ascendency of counterculture groups such as “hippies” and the New Left, and the escalation of the …
1980s-2000s: Anti-Apartheid and Social Justice Movements
This era saw a focus on global issues, particularly the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
- “Free Nelson Mandela” by The Special A.K.A. (1984)
This song became an anthem for the anti-apartheid movement, calling for the release of Nelson Mandela and drawing global attention to the injustices of apartheid in South Africa [8]. - “Biko” by Peter Gabriel (1980)
This song is a tribute to Steve Biko, an anti-apartheid activist who died in police custody. Gabriel’s song brought international attention to the apartheid regime’s brutality and became a rallying cry for the movement. - “Sun City” by Artists United Against Apartheid (1985)
This collaborative protest song, featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bono, was part of a campaign against apartheid in South Africa. It raised awareness and funds, contributing to the global anti-apartheid movement. - “Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil (1987)
This song by the Australian band Midnight Oil highlighted the need for land rights and justice for Indigenous Australians. It became a powerful anthem for environmental and social justice, calling for action to return land to its rightful owners [9].
2000s-2020s: Contemporary Social Activism
In recent years, protest music has addressed issues such as racial justice, climate change, and other social movements.
- “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar (2015)
Adopted by the Black Lives Matter movement, this song became an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of racial injustice. Its impact is seen in its widespread use during protests and demonstrations. - “This Is America” by Childish Gambino (2018)
The song and its accompanying video critique gun violence and racism in America. It became a cultural phenomenon, sparking discussions about the contradictions of Black life in the U.S. [10]. - “The Bigger Picture” by Lil Baby (2020)
Released shortly after the killing of George Floyd, this song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. Lil Baby’s lyrics address systemic racism and police brutality, resonating with the widespread protests that followed Floyd’s death [11]. - “The 1975” by The 1975 featuring Greta Thunberg (2020)
This track features a spoken word piece by climate activist Greta Thunberg, calling for immediate action against climate change and critiquing the status quo [12].
Throughout the last hundred years, these songs and artists have not only reflected the social and political climate of their times but have also inspired and motivated change. They have provided a voice for the marginalized, united diverse groups under common causes, and continue to resonate with new generations, demonstrating the enduring power of music as a tool for social change.
Timeline of the Black Experience
Starting from the earliest known history and progressing through the modern era this timeline includes significant milestones, historical context, and important figures. It demonstrates the resilience and contributions of Black individuals and communities throughout history, as well as the persistent impact of systemic racism and the continued fight for civil rights.
### Pre-Colonial Africa (Before 1619)
– **3000 BC – 1500 AD**: Ancient African civilizations flourished during this period, showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of the African continent [[1]]
– **Ancient Egypt (c. 3000 BC – 30 BC)**: One of the world’s earliest and most advanced civilizations, known for its monumental architecture, including the pyramids.
– **Kingdom of Nubia (c. 2000 BC – 350 AD)**: Located south of Egypt, known for its rich gold deposits and powerful kingdoms like Kerma and Kush.
– **Kingdom of Aksum (c. 100 AD – 940 AD)**: A major trading empire in present-day Ethiopia and Eritrea, one of the first African kingdoms to adopt Christianity [[2]]
– **Empire of Ghana (c. 6th – 13th centuries)**: Flourished in West Africa, controlling trans-Saharan trade routes in gold and salt.
– **Empire of Mali (c. 13th – 16th centuries)**: Rose to prominence under Sundiata Keita, reached its peak under Mansa Musa, known for its wealth and Islamic learning centers.
– **Empire of Songhai (15th – 16th centuries)**: Succeeded the Mali Empire, known for its administrative sophistication and military prowess.
– **Great Zimbabwe (11th – 15th centuries)**: Thrived in southeastern Africa, renowned for its impressive stone structures [[3]]
– **Swahili City-States (10th century onwards)**: Developed along the East African coast, serving as cosmopolitan centers of trade [[4]].
### The Beginning of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (15th – 19th centuries)
– **Late 15th century**: Portuguese initiate the transatlantic slave trade, initially transporting Africans to work on sugar plantations in Cape Verde and Madeira islands [[5]].
– **16th century**: Spanish and Portuguese establish colonies in the New World, increasingly turning to Africa for labor as Indigenous populations decline [[6]].
– **17th – 19th centuries**: The transatlantic slave trade reaches its peak, with an estimated 10-12 million Africans forcibly transported to the Americas [[7]].
### Colonial America and Early United States (1619 – 1865)
– **1619**: Arrival of the first recorded Africans in English North America at Point Comfort, Virginia [[8]].
– **Mid-17th century**: Establishment of lifelong slavery and hereditary servitude in Virginia and other colonies [[9]].
– **1705**: Virginia Slave Codes codify the dehumanizing nature of slavery [[10]].
– **1739**: Stono Rebellion, the largest slave uprising in the colonial period [[11]].
– **Late 18th – early 19th centuries**: Rise of the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad [[12]].
– **1861 – 1865**: American Civil War fought over the issue of slavery.
### Emancipation and Reconstruction (1865 – 1877)
– **1865**: Ratification of the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery [[13]].
– **1865 – 1877**: Reconstruction Era, aimed at rebuilding the South and integrating formerly enslaved African Americans into society [[13]].
– **1868**: Ratification of the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
– **1870**: Ratification of the 15th Amendment, prohibiting the denial of voting rights based on race.
### Jim Crow Era and Early 20th Century (1877 – 1950s)
– **Late 19th century – 1965**: Implementation of Jim Crow laws enforcing racial segregation in the Southern United States [[14]].
– **1896**: Plessy v. Ferguson Supreme Court decision upholds “separate but equal” doctrine [[15]].
– **1909**: Founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
– **1914 – 1918**: World War I, with approximately 370,000 African Americans serving in the U.S. military [[16]].
– **1920s – 1930s**: Harlem Renaissance, a flowering of African American cultural, literary, and artistic expression.
– **1939 – 1945**: World War II, with over one million African Americans serving in various branches of the U.S. armed forces [[17]] [[18]].
### Civil Rights Movement and Beyond (1950s – Present)
– **1954**: Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision overturns Plessy v. Ferguson, declaring segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
– **1955 – 1956**: Montgomery Bus Boycott led by Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks [[19]].
– **1963**: March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his “I Have a Dream” speech [[20]].
– **1965**: Voting Rights Act passed, aimed at overcoming legal barriers preventing African Americans from exercising their right to vote [[21]] [[22]].
– **1964**: Civil Rights Act passed, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin [[21]].
– **1968**: Fair Housing Act passed, prohibiting discrimination in housing [[21]].
### Presidential Administrations and Their Impact on Black Americans
– **Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933 – 1945)**: New Deal programs often reinforced racial inequalities, but also provided some economic relief [[23]]() [[24]].
– **Harry Truman (1945 – 1953)**: Desegregated the armed forces and advocated for anti-lynching laws [[25]].
– **John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963)**: Initially hesitant on civil rights but eventually supported the movement, leading to the introduction of a comprehensive civil rights bill [[26]].
– **Lyndon B. Johnson (1963 – 1969)**: Aggressively pursued civil rights legislation, resulting in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 [[25]].
– **Jimmy Carter (1977 – 1981)**: Supported affirmative action and appointed a significant number of Black Americans to federal positions.
– **Ronald Reagan (1981 – 1989)**: Marked by a rollback of civil rights policies and opposition to affirmative action.
– **Bill Clinton (1993 – 2001)**: Implemented the 1994 Crime Bill, which contributed to mass incarceration, disproportionately affecting Black Americans.
– **Barack Obama (2009 – 2017)**: First African American president, implemented the Affordable Care Act and advocated for criminal justice reform.
– **Donald Trump (2017 – 2021)**: Presidency marked by rhetoric and policies perceived as hostile to Black Americans.
– **Joe Biden (2021 – Present)**: Signaled a commitment to racial equity, including executive actions on racial justice and proposals for police reform [[23]].
### Cold War and Vietnam Era
– **1950s – 1980s**: Cold War period saw African Americans facing a dual struggle for civil rights at home while being part of the global ideological battle against communism [[27]].
– **1955 – 1975**: Vietnam War era, with African American soldiers playing a crucial role despite facing systemic racism [[28]]. The anti-war movement became intertwined with the civil rights struggle [[29]].
### Modern Challenges and Movements
– **1980s – Present**: Mass incarceration disproportionately affects Black communities, with Black adults imprisoned at five times the rate of white adults as of 2020 [[30]].
– **2013 – Present**: Black Lives Matter movement emerges, focusing on police brutality and racial justice [[31]].