The Election and the 30% Psychosis

Howdy Friends and Neighbors.  I have recently been doing some research for an upcoming book.  Also, being that it is election day I thought that I would share some of my findings. 

There are a lot of issues being discussed.  Nearly every one of them has to do with some 'big' group taking the power away from a 'minority' of some sort.  Which leads me to my research findings.  Sociologists Peter Bearman and Hannah Buckner of Columbia and Yale respectively, have published a study showing that many people find difficulty standing with a position if they are not in minority status.

Now we are not talking about less than 49% either.  The people apparently want to be part of an "embattled minority" which seems to fit right around 30%.  No higher.  Once 31% of the population in any given area is in agreement, participation drops out. 

What does this mean?  Simply put, it means that the idea of being one of the unfortunate and downtrodden is only so popular if you are one of the few.  That an ideal is not worth it if many people also share your ideal?  How terrible is this mentality? 

I ask you, have you seen this in your life?  I can attest that I have indeed.  Almost every major religion sees itself as being a minority or persecuted.  The few, the proud - there is certainly an emphasis on how everyone else in the world is against you.  The heathens of the world, the pagans and the non believers must certainly outnumber the virtuous.  Look at sport teams - everyone looks down on the guy who roots for the winning team, we like our underdogs.  

Other examples include the political offices.  Certainly your polticial ideas are challenged by the masses... right?  We surely have nearly every member of Congress out to take your guns away, defund your projects and tax you to oblivion.  Well, surely this must be the case.  They all out to take away your right to birth control - or make you pay for abortions - depending on your view.  

The fact seems to be that people stop supporting things when it looks like everyone else is.  While this is not always the case - bandwagons are still alive and well - more often than not the Hipster mindset will come along and push people to the presumption that they are an 'embattled minority.'  No speech is given that does not play to this angle.  Every politician on the campaign trail, preacher at the pulpit and pimp to his prostitue implies that it is you and them against the world.  

Why wouldn't they?  Since these are the busy / lazy times in which we live, who would waste the effort in getting behind a cause or product when they see that everyone else is fine with it- or worse, is indifferent to it.   These puppet masters have to instill a sense of urgency and threat to you in order for you to do what they want you to.  

Of course only about 30% of my readers will agree with this.  It is hard being a free thinking, moderate writer these days.

Be Excellent to Each Other,

~BAT

#BE2EO