In a sycophanic relationship, power differences are hyper-articulated and fetishized. Language is the medium in which this happens, and therefore the means in which it can best be corrected. In short, I see Sycophancy as an act of speech. Protection against linguistic grandiloïcity is a practical way to protect oneself against Sycophancy. It`s entirely true – for some abusive power tripping counselors – that sycophantic behavior is part of the dynamic. They ask their PhD students, who know they have to stick to it if they want things like feedback on their chapters and good letters of recommendation for the job market, hyper-respectful behavior and affect. This kind of „transactional sykophanticism” is difficult to eliminate as an isolated behavior. Unfortunately, the professors who deal with it are not self-critical or confident, and they are unlikely to ask this question or read this column. We know that it always works to keep things simple, but on the contrary, sycophants always try to impress one or the other that corresponds to their best interest, so that they complicate everything for themselves.6. Approve their own benefit This is the most common.. They tend to agree with people to win the relationship and be re-let go or gain favors with that person. They may even change their minds to stay in agreement with someone (even if they don`t really agree on themselves). A few years ago, I read an article on Psychology Today by Deborah and Mark Parker, which started with a story that I`d like to start here too.
„Experts Sean Hannity and Tucker Carlson have arrived in successive sit-downs with Mr. Trump, at best sympathetic and, in the worst case, sycophanic,” wrote the New York Times. As for local politicians` relationships with President Trump, a Knoxville News Sentinel article said, „There may be little support for politicians like Marsha Blackburn and Diane Black, whose only vocation is to serve as sycophants.” And so you don`t think that only the president has „sycophants,” here`s a letter to readers in the Bismarck Tribune complaining about democrats and Senator Maxine Waters: „Waters and his sycophants virtually guarantee a conservative victory in this fall`s election.” Independence of thought should be celebrated and encouraged, I often write and talk about this theme (and related topics). Often, the people who really make a difference in society are often the ones who don`t quite fit in…