Survival In Modern Day Politics: The Decided Advantage Of Takers Over Givers

By Author: R Moss
Total Articles: 5
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As one looks at the political landscape in contemporary America, it is clear that instant and repeated media coverage of every comment and action has greatly impacted who can survive. The clear advantage belongs to individuals who can think on their feet and tailor responses to meet with approval from various interest groups. Interestingly, little attention has been paid as to the type of individual who can best accomplish this feat.

In psychology, there have been various theories about personality types. Some of those most familiar to the general public are introvert/extrovert and Type-A personality. It appears most people have a general idea as to what these terms mean, such as a shy and reserved person being an introvert, and the gregarious person being an extrovert. However, these Types would seem to have little value in determining who can survive in politics.

For example, it is possible to find both introverts and extroverts who maintain long political careers. In like manner, the hard driving and angry Type-A individual can be found, but so can the politician who seems to be in no rush to do much of anything.

An ...
... interesting theory in reference to relationship behavior patterns has been proposed by Dr. Robert A. Moss. This is based upon a model of brain functioning that explains how both positive and negative emotion learning occurs. It is theorized that two distinct patterns of behavior occur, being called Givers (Type-G) and Takers (Type-T).

People interact with others to feel positive and avoid negative emotion. Givers primarily wish to feel like the good guy and cannot stand to feel like the bad guy. Dr. Robert A. Moss notes that this leads Givers to develop rules that they consistently follow. Due to being rule governed and fair, they lack the appearance of flexibility. Obviously, mass media coverage of comments means that an individual who holds to consistent rules tends to alienate people who do not share the same views.

In contrast, Takers' only rule is I win - I get my way. This allows them to say at the moment whatever gives them the best advantage. If they find they have alienated anyone, they can talk their way into and out of situations effectively. Just like the stereotypical used car salesman, they lack any negative emotion when lying. This gives them the distinct advantage over Givers, making Takers the fittest to survive.