This is a Lexicon entry: the mechanism, when it shows up, and the countermeasure. The full correction, with real-world cases and the audit prompt, hasn't been written yet.
Definition
A variation of main character syndrome where people support radical political shifts because they imagine themselves as the elites in the new system.
When it shows up
Debates about radical social change. Political arguments that assume the speaker would land in advantageous positions under the proposed system.
Failure mode
Advocates of radical change unconsciously assume they'd be in the good positions under the new system. The possibility that they'd be in worse positions doesn't enter the calculation. Historical revolutions rarely benefit their early advocates.
Countermeasure
Before endorsing radical change, imagine yourself in a randomly selected position under the new system. Would you still endorse it? If only 'I'm in the good position' works, you're advocating for a system you believe selectively benefits you.
Related traps
Also connected in the map2 more, locked
Credit & first seen
PopularizedCoined/popularized by Gurwinder Bhogal (The Prism - gurwinder.blog). First heard on Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson () source ↗
Also revealed
Entry #585 of 631 in The Lexicon · see the full Lexicon