DISCONNECT OF CAREER POLITICIANS FROM A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

​One of the three paramount concerns for career politicians in Congress is the disconnect from society developed over time.

What were you doing 20 years ago?  How about 30 years ago? Take a second to really think about it. Are you the same person now that you were then?

The odds are that you were a very different person 30 years ago.  What your priorities were; what seemed important then; how you viewed others and yourself; and your basic attitude towards life and those around you has probably changed a great deal.  We are shaped by our environment, by those with whom we interact, and repetitious behavior.

Here’s an example. Imagine that beginning 30 years ago, every day at least 10 or more people told you that you were ugly. This happened EVERY SINGLE DAY!

If you were a confident person, at first you would be ignore them. Next, you would be annoyed. Then, you would find doubt slipping in. 

Regardless of how strong your self-esteem was originally, you would eventually begin believing that you were ugly. It is basic behavioral psychology. Your beliefs and self-image are molded by repetitious and consistent input over a prolonged period.

What does that mean to a person in Congress?  Consider the life style.  When entering Congress you become one of a group of 535 people determining the laws and decisions governing the most powerful country in the world and often influencing other countries throughout the world.

Immediately you find yourself being courted and bowed down to by the wealthiest and most powerful companies, industries, and organizations throughout the country and the world.  Every want or need is catered to in the blink of an eye in hopes of garnering your favor.  Everyone is looking up to you, telling you with their words and their actions that you are different.  You are special.  You are above those around you.

The longer you are exposed to such an environment, the more you are molded.  The more you change and begin to believe that you are better than others.  The more you begin to believe that you are entitled to the treatment that you are receiving and that you are entitled to others complying with your wishes.  It is not possible to remain in such an unusual environment for over a generation without being molded by the repetitious attitude and actions of those around you.

This is the development of an elitist or aristocratic persona.  This is not a subjective opinion.  It is not a dramatization.  It is simple behavioral psychology.