Are there any good books about understanding the psychology of radical leftists?

[Anonymous]

I had a good friend two weeks ago (who is well trained in psychotherapy) explain to me that people who engage in far left woke politics are literally addicts. They are addicted to “a feeling” that their radical viewpoints and actions bring to them. They literally get some sort of brain chemical high from it.

So no amount of logic, facts, etc will ever get through to them. Even if these people know deep down that their viewpoints are making unhappy they still can’t get over “the feeling” it brings them. It’s a twisted feeling of altruism, projection and social prominence.

So instead of arguing with these people (which they actually invite) it’s best just to ignore them outright. Let them make decisions out of their addiction until they one day hit a rock bottom from their decisions. For many addicts a rock bottom brings upon a moment of clarity.

Also to be fair their are fringe right Q-Anon conservatives who are also addicts to “a feeling”. They have a lot less power and influence but they exist and I won’t associate with them. They get off at the feeling being an underdog. While they are underdogs given they have little power/influence it doesn’t make them “right” either.

[Oliverlogan263]

You know, I've heard similar theories about political viewpoints becoming almost like addictions or identities for some people. It's an interesting perspective for sure.

As for book recommendations, I don't have any specific titles on radical leftist psychology. But some general books on social/political psychology may give some useful insights.

A few that come to mind are "The Righteous Mind" by Jonathan Haidt, which looks at moral foundations theory and how people on different sides value different virtues.

"Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me)" is also good - it talks about cognitive biases like motivated reasoning that can cause people to double down when their beliefs are challenged.

And "The Coddling of the American Mind" explores how identity politics and lack of exposure to opposing views on college campuses can impact development.

Overall it seems understanding group and tribal psychology is key. We all want to belong and feel righteous, so polarized politics taps into that. Seeing "the other side" as human too may help bridge divisions. But you're right ignoring rabid engagers may be best if trying to de-escalate. Food for thought!

[Asker]

I used to go with the tribalism theory. But I truly believe it’s gone way beyond that now.

White western women and gay people supporting terrorism (Hamas) is absolute sheer insanity. Do they have any idea what would happen to them if they lived in a country under Sharia law?

An addiction is the only explanation for insane literally suicidal behavior we are seeing. Arguing with them doesn’t work either. You have to treat them like an addict and while addicts hurt people around then they don’t care (or even realize it). They have to hit a rock bottom to realize they are bringing their own self destruction in pursuit of “a feeling”.

[Oliverlogan263]

Yeah man, I hear ya. Some of that woke stuff is just nuts. I can't imagine supporting terrorists, that's taking it way too far.

And you're right, those radical Islam countries would treat women and gay people awful under sharia law. I don't get why some folks can't see that. It's like they're not even thinking straight.

Addiction making people do crazy things definitely seems plausible. When folks get really hooked on something, logic and reasoning go out the window. All that matters is chasing the next high. Sad but true.

It is tricky dealing with people like that. Like you said, arguing won't work. Maybe the best you can do is just stay clear and hope they eventually hit their low point, come to their senses on their own. Not much else you can do to convince an addict when they're in the thick of it.

Anyway, I gotta bounce now. But thanks for the interesting chat, given me stuff to think about for sure. Take it easy!

[Anonymous]

So what you’re saying is, extremism is the same regardless of which side of the political spectrum it’s coming from.
Imagine that

[milyjohn]

Define "Q-Anon"