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The Conversation
The Conversation
Geoff Beattie, Professor of Psychology, Edge Hill University

Red Arrows: narcissism, immorality and lack of empathy are behind the dark psychology that can poison elites

Sexism, harassment and bullying are rife in the UK's Red Arrows. Watcharisma/Shutterstock

Sexism, harassment and bullying plague the Red Arrows, the UK Royal Air Force’s display team. This revelation was the outcome of investigations into complaints of bad behaviour in this elite organisation. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said that “behaviour that would be classed as unacceptable was widespread and normalised on the squadron”.

To me, the Red Arrows have always represented discipline, precision, skill, bravery and professionalism. They are the real-life Top Guns. Now, I’ll never be able to look at red, white and blue trails in the sky in quite the same way.

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