Why some people want authoritarian leaders

Many people I know shake their heads in dismay and confusion over why anyone would vote for an authoritarian government or dictator. I understand their confusion and used to share it. After a lot of observation and thought, I think I understand some of the reasons people think living under a dictator is a good thing. Of course, I disagree.

At its most basic, an authoritarian leader rules with a strong hand and tells people what they should and shouldn’t do. Frequently, the rules are based on religious beliefs. This adds to the likelihood of some people being willing to embrace the authority involved.

Here's why people want to be told what to do. Life is easier if someone tells you what to do, gives you lots of rules to follow, and restricts your choices and movements through life. If you agree with the person’s viewpoints, you are thrilled to think that society will be transformed into the world you want to live in. People you don’t approve of, religions you don’t approve of, ideas and books you don’t approve of – well, all of these would be outlawed, made to disappear, like is happening in Florida right now.

Some people are afraid of life because there are so many changes happening and they don’t know how to handle the changes. Having a dictator telling people what to do makes these people feel safer. They feel someone is in control and are happy to let the person rule with an iron hand.

Here's the deal, though, that the dictator-choosing folks aren’t seeing and should think about. It’s one thing if the Big Boss is someone who shares your values and would do what you think should be done. What if things change? What if the next person who takes charge believes in the exact opposite of what you hold dear? What if all the books you wanted banned return? What if the people you wanted marginalized take power? Then what?

The cure to authoritarianism is a society of people who have owned their own power internally, who don’t need to be told what to do and who realize others might not share their convictions and beliefs – and this is okay with them. People who accept the otherness of family, friends, and neighbors don’t feel the need to control them or be controlled.

People in touch with their own power don’t need a church or government telling them what to think and feel or how to behave. If you’re reading this, I suspect you don’t need laws telling you not to kill people. You don’t need laws telling you everyone is equal and forcing you to treat them that way. You don’t need laws telling you not to steal, etc…

As is true of many of you, I was raised in an authoritarian family of the 1950’s. Our family was very Catholic and we towed the line doing and not doing what the church said we should and shouldn’t do. And as with many of you, as I grew older and was able to think for myself, I rejected the whole thing. My parents might have liked the heavy structure, but I sure didn’t and still don’t.

It's possible that some people must experience living under a dictatorship to realize this isn’t a happy way to live. It is my fervent hope that a substantial number of people have matured enough to want to live in a free society where everyone is valued and where we can co-exist with people who are different from us. Right now, this is a rocky ride and all of us are going to have to hang on so we don’t fall out of the boat. Be sure you know how to swim.

Living in grace and ease,

Krysta