How oneitis in romance shifted to politics
Most of us are guilty at some point in our lives, developing oneitis. Whether it be for a person, we have feelings for a material item, food, or a politician. Is this a natural occurrence, or do societal norms influence our behavior to oneitis?
In an individualized culture such as America, romantic oneitis is a manifestation of fulfilling our selfish desires. Whereas, In nonwestern societies, the needs of the community or village as a whole are more important. Also, the way we consume and make money in a capitalistic society as well as feeds our oneitis desire.
Making it to the top, being the best, a “boss,” alpha male or female is perceived status predicated upon being “the one.” What exactly is the one, however? Depending on the context, the one is a person, never a group, never a collective. Secondly, one is someone who has demonstrated themselves to be the “best” in their chosen field.
Being the “best” can be subjective or objective, as well. But the majority of people are only concerned with winners rather than using their judgment and opinion. Blame evolutionary psychology, but Women instinctively want “the one.” Mostly for providing for future offspring more than romantic reasons often portrayed by Hollywood.
Although food is more abundant than it ever was millions of years ago, this hasn’t changed. Being at the top of the food chain is entirely different from it was even a few hundred years ago. Those in the middle of the food chain aren’t going to miss a meal while hundreds of years ago, they probably did.
History teaches us that women want safety, resources, and attention. So, where did romance come into the picture? More than romance, however, women love a good story. It’s not about a romantic gesture; it’s the context of the gesture, the timing. Women love the build-up and the climax of the story. Studies show that women consume pornography at a significantly lesser rate than men. It merely comes down to storytelling.
Total romance novel sales in 2013 were 1.1 billion. 29% of romance novel readers carry their books with them. Furthermore, romance novel readers are more likely than the general population to be in a relationship. Lastly, 46% of romance novels read at least one book per week, while the average reader reads five books per year.
Finding and taming “the one” is usually the plot for most romance novels. Unlike other fiction literature, romance novels typically don’t have sequels. The desire for “the one” is real, even when in relationships, so why would politics be any different?
Despite being male-dominated, women engaged in the political process way more than men. Women have voted in higher numbers than men in every presidential election since 1964.
While romance novels can activate a women’s fantasy in her mind, politics strike close to home at the heart and the soul. Presidents protect, control resources, and act as role models for children. The president is the epitome of “the one,” his status, his dedication to being elected, and to provide makes him the poster child for oneitis.
In 2016 ten million more women than men were registered to vote. Yet Donald Trump received 52% of the white women vote in the election.
In real life and fantasy land, women want to be saved and protected. A great campaign shares similar motives to a romance novel. News media places such importance on voting. Whether it be women’s right to vote, discrimination at the polls, voting is an event itself. It’s an opportunity for a woman to pursue her ideal “one” in an indirect discreet way.
In conclusion, the ideal male protagonist in a romance novel is never a goody two shoe man. Female readers accept his shortcomings just like they did Donald Trump, exceptions are made for “the one”. The drama surrounding Trump during his election year only gave spice to his story during his campaign run. Whoever has the best story and campaign money will win the hearts and votes of women.
Do you have oneitis when it comes to politics? Let us know in the comment section below.