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Many people were shocked and many were dismayed by the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. The more we hear about Mr. Trump's policies and his cabinet choices, the more we are confused and uncertain as to what to expect from him as president. If we take the time and look closely at the psychology of the American people as a whole, and how it was formed, the oddity of Mr. Trump's election may be less surprising. In this short review, I shall try to throw some light on what characterizes many Americans and why Mr. Trump's election may not be that unusual.
America has a history like no other country. Most countries develop their psychology and social systems from events that resulted from their histories. Unlike most other countries, America's social and political systems did not develop following citizen revolutions against abusive kings, social uprisings or long developmental steps. America came into being through migrations of foreigners who established a ruling class in lands that belonged to others of a different culture and skin color. The pioneers were determined to survive, succeed and dominate no matter what. The history of America reflects violent and selfish endeavors that still dominate its attitude today. The birth of America's culture took place under the curse of two cardinal sins: the brutal theft of Native American lands and the hideous crime of slavery, with slaves building an immense wealth for the few.
As a direct result of their history and culture, most Americans today:
1. View people from other cultures (the others) as inherently inferior. They see little problems with the abuse of others like the Mexicans, blacks, "etc.
2. See nothing wrong with invading, killing and occupying the second world. By invading even believe that by invading other lands, they are in fact civilizing them and improving their lives.
3. Are more individualistic and selfish. They only care about themselves both as individuals and as a nation.
4. Believe in the use of overwhelming force to settle disputes both individually and as a nation. It is all about winning decisively.
5. Prefer freedom to security. In Europe, the reverse is true.
6. Are motivated mostly by money and power with few social inklings. For many of them, healthcare should be available only to those who can afford it. The poor are lazy and undeserving.
7. Believe in personal power to attack and defend as exemplified by their excessive gun ownership. Americans flocked in record-breaking numbers to a film, described in The New York Times Arts section as "a patriotic, pro-family picture," about a sniper who claims to hold the championship in killing Iraqis during the American invasion.
8. Don't generally believe in a constructive the role for the government. They want to reduce its size and effect. Individualism is paramount.
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