Removing the Tyrant from My Head
By
Dr. Lauro Amezcua-Patino
Tyranny. The word needs to be understood. The definition states “cruel and oppressive government or rule” and “cruel, unreasonable, and arbitrary use of power or control.” It stands alongside synonyms such as despotism, absolutism, autocracy, and dictatorship. As stated, it is when someone has absolute power over others. However, it goes beyond just having power. It is a form of oppressive rule in which the individual uses and abuses their power to manipulate those under their control. Allowing tyranny to stand is to surrender individuality and freedom—the complete antitheses of democracy.
The 21st century has seen numerous examples of tyranny across the globe. Most notable is North Korea, where a single family, the Kim’s, have ruled for three generations. Where the noble leader is forcibly revered as a god. The same people he oppresses pledge their complete allegiance to him. The government there exercises complete control over the population’s daily lives. People experience limited access to essential services such as electricity (a nighttime satellite photo of North Korea is entirely dark compared to its sister to the south). The state controls the TV. There is also no access to the internet, thus restricting access to information about the outside world.
Unlike the absolute and total tyranny seen in North Korea, a more subtle system of tyrannical rule has cropped up across the globe. A form of Autocracy in which the people have many of the economic trappings of the west but are still, for the most part, totally controlled. Under the Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese Government has complete control over the people. This means that freedom of speech, religion, and other basic rights are limited.
Russia can be seen under the strongman rule of Vladimir Putin, who has consolidated power over the Russian government and the media for over a decade. This has resulted in the suppression of opposition voices and independent journalism. And, at its extreme, it has allowed Putin to unilaterally invade a neighbor, Ukraine, at the cost of many Russian and Ukrainian lives. He did so out of his own desire and not from the will of his people or even other government members.
Political tyranny is a type of government in which the ruling party has complete control over the people. This is usually done through force, fear, and repression. Examples of political tyrants throughout history include figures such as Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and Joseph Stalin. Rulers like this operated unchecked, leading to atrocities such as the reign of terror during the French Revolution. The Nazis in Germany could use the "Final Solution," which would mean killing millions of Jews and other "Undermensch" groups. Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia killed millions of people through forced labor, execution, and starvation. And the apartheid regime in South Africa enforced racial segregation and discrimination against non-white citizens, who made up the majority population of that country.
The United States has also had its fair share of tyrants. Andrew Jackson used his power as president to force Native Americans to leave the land where they had lived for generations. This act of tyranny, known as the Trail of Tears, resulted in the deaths of thousands of Native Americans and the displacement of many more. Jackson's actions clearly broke people's rights and showed how dangerous it is for the government to have too much power.
However, tyranny can be fought. The Civil War and Abraham Lincoln's efforts to end the cruel practice of slavery in the United States are two examples. For over a century, African Americans were forced into bondage and treated as property by white slave owners. Systemic racism and inequality are still significant problems in our society today because of the history of slavery. Recognizing these examples of tyranny in our past is vital to learn and working toward a more just and equitable future.
On January 6, 2021, a mob supported by then-President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. This violent insurrection was a clear example of tyranny and an attack on democracy.
Trump's repeated false claims of voter fraud and refusal to accept the election results directly led to what happened on January 6. This rhetoric fueled his supporters and led to a violent attack on the Capitol. The attempt to overturn a democratic election through force is a clear example of tyranny and a threat to the foundations of our democracy.
The path to tyrannical rule is often paved with dissatisfaction and discord. Instead of uniting groups of people, autocrats do their utmost to separate them. They strive to sow one group’s dissatisfaction against another to justify their actions in seizing power. This often leads to the suppression of individual freedoms and rights for certain groups while elevating another group to the illusionary “ruling class.” However, all are now slaves to the tyrant. Citizens living under a tyrannical government cannot speak out against injustice or express their opinions freely. This can lead to a culture of fear and oppression, where dissent is not tolerated.
Another tactic of the tyrant is the erosion of trust in government institutions. When citizens feel that their government is not acting in their best interests or is actively working against them, they may lose faith in the democratic process altogether. This can lead to political instability and even violent uprisings. The solution? A single, solid personality can bring peace via internal police forces loyal to them.
In the end, tyranny has far-reaching effects that can last for a long time on both individuals and society as a whole. It is essential to recognize the signs of tyranny and work towards preventing it from taking hold in our communities. By protecting individual freedoms and promoting transparency in government, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.
There are several indicators that a tyrant may be controlling someone. One sign is if they consistently defend the tyrant’s actions or beliefs, even when presented with evidence to the contrary. Another sign is if they seem to have an emotional attachment to the tyrant, such as a sense of loyalty or devotion to them. It’s also important to look out for signs of fear or intimidation, such as if the person seems afraid to speak out against the tyrant or express their opinions.
So, how does one combat the would-be tyrants’ supporters in our midst? One approach is to try to engage them in respectful and open-minded conversations, asking them questions about their beliefs and trying to understand where they are coming from. Avoid attacking or belittling them, as this will only cause them to become more defensive and entrenched in their beliefs.
You could also give them different kinds of information and points of view, like articles or books that challenge their beliefs. This can help them see things from a different point of view and may lead them to question their beliefs. It’s also essential to care for yourself and set boundaries if necessary. Dealing with people who support tyrants can be emotionally draining, so it’s essential to prioritize your own well-being.
Citizens still possess power. Voting in the ballot box and with your pocketbook can effectively undermine the tyrant’s power and influence through nonviolent means. Elon Musk has recently experienced this as end-users dropped Twitter due to his actions. Essentially, it was a grassroots boycott of his business. This can be risky, as it may lead to retaliation from the tyrant or their supporters. But it can also be quite effective.
On a personal level, taking care of yourself and setting boundaries, if necessary, is essential.
Dealing with a tyrant, be it on the news, your boss, a family member, or a friend, can be emotionally draining and traumatic. Prioritize your own well-being and that of our country.
