History has always fascinated me especially in light of recent events in the US such as the insurrection. The subject matter of dictators and their actions is inherently dark. That's why I appreciate that this series used a "textbook" of how to be the best dictator. By doing this, it is far more entertaining and the viewer feels that they are learning not just history, but how and why dictators are so successful.
Each episode is slightly different in examining how tyrants monitor and control their citizens, but all of them appeal to the underlying emotions their citizens feel. Most often, they speak about struggles that have existed for millennia like social hierarchy, religious discrimination or race. In actuality, all dictators or tyrants are narcissists who manipulate the world around them to achieve their own goals. They know that by proclaiming they can solve the country's debt or by blaming a scapegoat their goal is one step closer to achievement.
How to Become a Tyrant is not a historical series, but rather a psychological one. Peter Dinklage's humorous tone rarely recounts factual exploits, but stories that reveal what motivates a terrifying leader. It's simple: power and glory. Genocide, rape and the endless gratuitous violence were all methods to remain in power no matter the cost. Dinklage does an excellent job of making them sound like small men desperate for attention and adoration from everyone around them.
Unfortunately, there were some key leadership figures that were omitted. Some include Mao Zedong and Vladimir Putin. I do not know if this is because some of these people are alive, but I hope that at some point their own narcissistic needs can be examined. Some of the stories described in the series were absolutely hilarious due to their ridiculousness.
I highly recommend the series. The negative reviews do not represent the show well and I found it to be enlightening. Thank you for reading this review.
Each episode is slightly different in examining how tyrants monitor and control their citizens, but all of them appeal to the underlying emotions their citizens feel. Most often, they speak about struggles that have existed for millennia like social hierarchy, religious discrimination or race. In actuality, all dictators or tyrants are narcissists who manipulate the world around them to achieve their own goals. They know that by proclaiming they can solve the country's debt or by blaming a scapegoat their goal is one step closer to achievement.
How to Become a Tyrant is not a historical series, but rather a psychological one. Peter Dinklage's humorous tone rarely recounts factual exploits, but stories that reveal what motivates a terrifying leader. It's simple: power and glory. Genocide, rape and the endless gratuitous violence were all methods to remain in power no matter the cost. Dinklage does an excellent job of making them sound like small men desperate for attention and adoration from everyone around them.
Unfortunately, there were some key leadership figures that were omitted. Some include Mao Zedong and Vladimir Putin. I do not know if this is because some of these people are alive, but I hope that at some point their own narcissistic needs can be examined. Some of the stories described in the series were absolutely hilarious due to their ridiculousness.
I highly recommend the series. The negative reviews do not represent the show well and I found it to be enlightening. Thank you for reading this review.