The Rock & Roll Shrink Radio Show Ep. 88 - King Nothing/Power Corrupts

Abuse of Power seems to be socially iconic and rooted in primal power-seeking instincts, bolstered by the psychological manipulation techniques now available to modern people through the science of psychology, as well as rhetoric and propaganda.

Power corrupts – this is a quintessential trope, slogan, adage, what have you. It is that ingrained in our society, and for good reason. It is a standard which we say we want to move past and evolve beyond, but never seem to collectively make significant progress towards doing so.

Abuse of Power goes hand in hand with the sycophants who make it possible; those so caught up in propaganda, rhetoric, confirmation bias, and group-think that they cannot respond thoughtfully, empirically, or with any ability to consider multiple side of issues. They become too personally invested in maintaining the illusion into which they already sank their time, energy, ego, and personal reputation. It becomes a self-actualization and self-esteem crisis, eventually.

Tonight, we want to analyze why this is – it sounds simple, yet so many people struggle with this concept, especially when it comes to not being sucked up into it and letting it run them. Perhaps it is more that this is simple, but not very easy to deal with.

Tonight, we will discuss:

1. What is Abuse of Power? What is its appeal?
2. History, Examples, Studies, “Group Think,” Propaganda
3. Causes, Pathologies, etc.
4. Suggestions for Coping with Abuse of Power, both Personally and as a Society

We'll start off the evening with some topic-relevant Classic Rock played by Dr. Mathis, followed by Classic Rock trivia in "The Rock & Roll Shrink Recalls," followed by our topic discussion.