The expression, having your head up your ass applies equally to Democrats and Republicans, in my opinion. I think it might have been chosen unconsciously, however, because of the word 'ass'. Generally speaking, I think, Republicans are more descriptively anal retentive than Democrats.
This is revealed, I think, by their strong emphasis on morals and values. It isn't necessarily that they have better morals, they are certainly inferior in self modesty and self effacement, but that they focus on morality and consequently moral judgment to a far greater degree.
This, I think, is the result of being raised in an authoritarian environment. Republicanism is strongly authoritarian, patriarchal, and punitive. Republicans represent that portion of the population that were most made to tow the line as children under a threat of punishment. This is how they see the world. Everything must have a threat and if it doesn't they fear chaos. Real Liberal thinking is chaotic to them because it does not include threat or fear.
The problem with a moral system that has been inculcated by intimidation is that the underlying urges to do 'evil' are simply repressed rather than outgrown. What Republicans see and fear in Liberals is the havoc they themselves would wreak if their inhibitions failed. This is why, also, I think, you find on the right the greatest resistance to self-analysis.
Psycho-Babble is painted on the door to freedom.
This is revealed, I think, by their strong emphasis on morals and values. It isn't necessarily that they have better morals, they are certainly inferior in self modesty and self effacement, but that they focus on morality and consequently moral judgment to a far greater degree.
This, I think, is the result of being raised in an authoritarian environment. Republicanism is strongly authoritarian, patriarchal, and punitive. Republicans represent that portion of the population that were most made to tow the line as children under a threat of punishment. This is how they see the world. Everything must have a threat and if it doesn't they fear chaos. Real Liberal thinking is chaotic to them because it does not include threat or fear.
The problem with a moral system that has been inculcated by intimidation is that the underlying urges to do 'evil' are simply repressed rather than outgrown. What Republicans see and fear in Liberals is the havoc they themselves would wreak if their inhibitions failed. This is why, also, I think, you find on the right the greatest resistance to self-analysis.
Psycho-Babble is painted on the door to freedom.
