From “Kill or Be Killed” to Waging Peace: Enneagram Type Eight and Politics
Police brutality against disenfranchised populations and questionable foreign wars are an ugly manifestation of the Enneagram type Eight trance in American politics. But the trance extends also to a culture of “rugged individualism” and toxic gender expectations. The solution, as always, is not to respond in kind (meeting force with force), but to become present to the fear and pain that drives destructive behavior. When the Eight fear of being dominated is acknowledged, others-empowering leadership opens the path to reconciliation.
Leaders in an Eight Trance
Leaders demonstrating an Eight trance are afraid of being dominated but probably will not realize it. In an Eight trance, leaders will tend to ignore their own and others’ emotions, with the exception of anger. They will tend to be rash and impulsive, acting without adequate consideration of consequences (especially “collateral damage” caused by expression of anger and the need to maintain control over others).
Eight Trance at the Systemic Level
At the level of government, the Eight trance manifests in bullying strategies in international politics and military shows of strength (such as the “shock and awe” / “rapid dominance” tactic). As with type Six, the dynamics of these conflicts seem to reflect opposing sides’ expression of the same type trance: aggressively controlling measures by the reigning authority provoke aggressive resistance by the oppressed. At the municipal level, abuse of power by police provokes increased hostility and aggression against police (which increases police brutality, and so on). Internationally, terrorist organizations retaliate against neo-colonial imposition.
At the level of culture, the Eight trance manifests in the ideal of “rugged individualism”; promoting stoic self-reliance to the point of denying one’s own and other’s human needs and vulnerabilities. The Eight trance also informs the most toxic version of male gender expectations, shaming men for demonstrating weakness, and normalizing bullying behaviors, such as interrupting and talking over others, or threatening others as a way of ending an argument. (These behaviors, of course, are not exhibited by all men and can be exhibited by women, as well. But culturally, they are considered more acceptable in men.)
Spiritual leaders in an Eight trance intimidate their followers, being “large and in charge” without considering how to make room for others’ voices and interests. Their teaching may be bold, but only gives the illusion of passion, through anger and forcefulness. Ultimately, their teaching and leadership fails to connect with people at an emotional level and so feels dead.
The Wake Up Call for Type Eight
Subjectively, the Eight trance feels like an ebbing of vitality. Trying to regain a feeling of aliveness by exercising the “will to power” only ends up disconnecting us from other people and from our own emotions. This leads to the kind of depression that may be felt as boredom or lack of passion. This, in turn, becomes an inclination to lash out at others in an unconscious bid to regain sensation.
Objectively, excessive use of force, such as by the police or military, is a loud wake up call to society. Calls for violence in response to systemic injustice are also an alarming call to change course. The idea that violent revolution is justified and necessary remains, so far, a fringe opinion, but there is reason to be concerned that it is becoming increasingly normalized.
How Leaders Can Turn the Tide
The gift of Eight is rising to meet a challenge, and there is no greater challenge than facing one’s own weaknesses. When vulnerability is acknowledged rather than denied, the protective instinct becomes loving rather than fearful. Leadership becomes an expression of strength and vulnerability, at the same time, as with nonviolent resistance. Nonviolent resistance is a demonstration of strength which is deliberately peaceful and non-aggressive. Moving toward Two, love for self and others disarms conflict, upending power dynamics into a win-win victory.
Emerging Essence of Eight at the Systemic Level
At the level of government, the essence of type Eight can be seen in measures taken to protect those who are vulnerable. Combating police and military brutality requires a recognition of the genuine vulnerability of police officers, of people who commit crimes, of law-abiding citizens wrongly targeted by police, of soldiers (imperialist or terrorist/insurrectionist), and of civilians in war zones. All are in vulnerable positions. The essence of Eight manifests when those in a position of greater power (police and military leadership) adopt de-escalation strategies and when those with less power engage in actively nonviolent resistance.
At the level of culture, Eight essence manifests in awareness that hyper-individualism makes people feel dead inside; that admitting to weakness is an act of strength; that no one (neither men nor women) should be shamed for showing vulnerability; that the strongest leader will be the most protective of others’ right to be heard.
Spiritual leaders manifesting the essence of Eight are forceful and passionate while also being appropriately vulnerable, warm and affectionate. They challenge their followers by giving them opportunities for growth — handing them the mic, so they can find their voice; setting them a difficult but rewarding task; daring them to join in a crusade against injustice. They make others feel vital and alive, but not with anger; their fiery inspiration comes not from hatred of evil, but from an intense love of life.
Suggestions for Waking Up
Ask yourself how vital and passionate you feel. Is there a deadness or boredom in your life? Take some time to consider how the pervasive ideal of “rugged individualism” has affected you. Remember that a modern, first-world lifestyle represents an unprecedented level of social isolation with an attendant illusion of independence. The way our society is set up, it feels as if we are self-reliant when, in reality, we are terrifyingly dependent on vast yet fragile systems we know very little about. Consider your own vulnerability, given this troubling hidden reality.
Whatever vulnerabilities come up for you in contemplation, consider what challenge you are facing in protecting yourself and others. Can you build true strength and resilience by reaching out to others in your vulnerable position? Let your love for yourself and others guide you to take action.
