Rethinking Trust in Politics: The Appeal of the Outsider

I hear a lot about why populist-type people are popular and are winning most of the political races just now. I hear a lot about how they relate to those who vote for them, even if the populist in question has never lived in the same circumstances as the person saying this. Some say it’s because the populist feels authentic.

I understand this reason. It’s been a long time since most of us trust what the majority of public figures say. We expect they will say whatever will get them votes. We know this is also true for the populists, but at least they sound authentic because they aren’t “politically correct”.

But I – and I suspect many others - want to believe there are leaders out there who are relatively untouched by the cynical hand of politics. I think this is really why populists win. They’re different than most others. Whatever they say is at least different and therefore, to many, hopeful.

I do believe that a person doesn’t need to have credential letters behind their name to know what they’re doing, or run in the same circles as every other politician. Even more, though, I believe there are smart, ethically honest people out there who don’t care how they sound, who aren’t afraid of making mistakes, and who want to give something meaningful to their community.

Now, I’d be less than honest if I left out how difficult – even unlikely – I believe this is. But not impossible. Mostly, I think it depends on us remaining open and hopeful, so that we’ll be there for whoever eventually steps forward. Who knows, it might be you!

Quote of the week

I’m a blunt person, not mean-spirited. I come from a place of love, but I’m interested in being real.

• Tracy McMillan

The unfortunate appeal of the heroic idiot

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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programmes, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .