Those Buttons – James Robert Kitson

Are you tired of being taken for a fool?

The stark reality is that the front persons of the ultra-immoral elite know exactly how to push human buttons—either building up those predisposed to their depravity, or making life especially miserable for those whose hearts and minds, and often relationships, are ravaged by their lies. Whatever that was in Washington, D.C. yesterday, April 25, it brings out key elements of what the crap Americans have been going through is about, in my humble view.

Consider your own setting

I’m no sociologist, psychologist, or expert on anything, but I presume to think an element or two of my own experience suggests how this manipulation works, and how it can be countered.

If you have a master manipulator in your life, say, at work, one of their key tools (among many) is coddling of the impressionable, together with character assassination for others—those who might put blocks up against their self-elevating and ego-stroking designs.

Their strategy against rivals:

Step 1: Identify a character flaw that can be hung around your neck. At some time we all have acted defensively or taken something personaly. That gets generalized and elevated into being a defining component of who you are.

Step 2:—and here’s the key, and transition to the larger political picture—They know the buttons to push to elicit the characteristic/s they have chosen to highlight in you—to destroy your credibility and clear their way, whatever that might be, in your group/org/project.

Your plan: Have the self-awareness to identify what your “buttons” might be and don’t let anyone push them.

Some things are clear

Re what happened at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner:

1. Trump, as President, has always boycotted this event, castigating the media. The event is intended to be fun and light-hearted.

2. This year he announced his plans to come, and brought a significant entourage from his Administration.

3. Very shortly after the incident, a composed Trump, surrounded by a weirdly cheerful entourage, helpfully pointed out that what had just happened underlined the need for a White House ballroom.

Something is seriously off here. Worst case: This was a sick ploy to push a lot of buttons.

Summary

There is one key element on which the designs and actions of oppressors and tyrants depends. That’s the buttons in us that can be pushed. We all must have the humility to identify the buttons on our personhood, buttons that have to do with our fears, our flaws and delusions—whatever—and refuse to let them be used. Let’s just acknowledge them and, probably with help and support, deal with them. That, I believe, is the real key to shutting down all the crap.

Bottom line: Don’t let anybody push your buttons.

_________________________________________________________________

Musical Addendum: For Emerging