RRU in the Media: Is Donald Trump preying on voters’ death fears?

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Researchers have found clear evidence that becoming aware of one’s own mortality can lead to a defensive mindset which fosters prejudice, stereotyping, aggression and racism. Sarah Wolfe, professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at Royal Roads University, wrote about the phenomenon called “terror management theory” in her recent opinion piece in The Conversation.  

Wolfe suspects that would-be authoritarians, like US president-elect Donald Trump for example, prey on the electorate’s death fears to accumulate power. She explains why this strategy can be effective and how to counteract this powerful manipulation method.  

Here is an excerpt from the article: 

“So, what can we do to avoid the worst outcomes of polarization, antagonism against marginalized and racialized communities, authoritarianism and potential violence? 

“Some good news: first, positive world views and identities can be strengthened even when we feel threatened by death. People who see the world as a collective, are willing to welcome others and work to maintain civil society may intensify their efforts when their mortality is salient. These people need to be supported and celebrated. 

“Second, a final defence against mortality fears is to build up our self-esteem through positive “hero projects.” Through these activities — philanthropy, raising children, works of art or literature, teaching, protest or activism for social change — we commit to an action that may not be in our immediate self-interest, but we persist despite difficulties, discomfort and often daunting odds. 

Read the full opinion piece in The Conversation.