Reaction formation in MAGAland
In speaking of the hypocrisy of North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, sportswriter and political commentator Keith Olbermann referenced a term he couldn’t quite recall, one he once learned from a psychologist friend. As it happens, I know what term he was groping for. It’s “reaction formation,” which Wikipedia defines as “a defence mechanism in which emotions, desires and impulses that are anxiety-producing or unacceptable to the ego are mastered by exaggeration of the directly opposing tendency.” In plain English it means that people sometimes attack what they secretly are or are secretly attracted to, because of misbegotten shame.
Consider, for example, we are seldom surprised when the evangelical preacher who spends an inordinate amount of time railing from the pulpit about “sexual sin” is himself caught in one or more sexual liaisons with one or more persons. There sometimes is an underlying connection between what people claim they hate and what they fear they themselves might be. That’s reaction formation.
And here’s a useful and fun statistic you can use, brothers and sisters: studies have revealed that a considerable percentage — possibly more the half — of anti-gay sentiment comes from closeted gay men who are deeply ashamed of their homosexual tendencies. That ought to shut up a certain bastard at work, or the boorish uncle around the Thanksgiving table. Maybe for good. Homophobes should consider a little self-reflection now and then before shooting off their stupid and intolerant mouths. They may in fact be exhibiting reaction formation.
Enter Mark Robinson, who has been under fire since a recent CNN report exposed comments he allegedly made on a porn site some years ago. The report revealed that back then Robinson identified himself as a “Black Nazi.” He also expressed support for the reinstatement of slavery, fondly reminiscing that he enjoyed “peeping” at women in public gym showers as a teenager and — with classic reaction formation as it turns out — admitted that he likes to watch transgender porn.
Now, I wish to emphasise that I have no problem with the sexual proclivities of others, provided no one is harmed or exploited. I do, of course, have a big problem with Nazis (black or otherwise), the reinstatement of slavery and peeping toms. Such people have no business in government anywhere at any time.
As a politician Robinson has viciously attacked trans women and said they should be arrested for using public women’s restrooms. He has also promoted the completely absurd, misogynistic and racist conspiracy theory that former First Lady Michelle Obama is secretly a trans woman, and implied that she and former president Obama are secretly a gay male couple. Such slander is often used against black women public figures. Under the circumstances Robinson should bow out of the race and disappear from public view.
But Robinson is MAGA, so instead of dropping out of the race he insists he’s the “victim” of a cyber hoax. Unfortunately for Robinson, the connection between the statements he made on the porn site years ago and the man himself is incontrovertible. He wrote what he wrote and there’s no getting out of it. Don’t be surprised if more damning evidence emerges, as it often does in situations like this.
Early on Sunday the North Carolina Republican Party incurred the wrath of conservative columnist Kathleen Parker for continuing to back Robinson despite the conflagration of these online revelations. Then, later that same day it was reported that Robinson’s senior adviser, campaign manager, finance director and deputy campaign manager had all resigned. Robinson’s campaign, what’s left of it, is spinning the whole thing as “staff changes.”
So remember, reaction formation is a common defence mechanism. It exposes the unintended consequences of intolerant hate. Prejudice sometimes engenders an irrational disgust for others, and it can make people loathe what they secretly are. It’s yet another proof that bigotry itself is unnatural, not the thing it attacks. And, as ever, ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, comrades and friends, stay safe.
Robert Harrington is an American expat living in Britain. He is a portrait painter.