You are so right to point out the idea that the dumbing down and passifying individuals can absolutely lead to creating a dominance response in other situations as compensation for personal dissatisfaction. I talk often about "Small kings in small kingdoms" to point out that many people are so fractured, that they find their little piece of the world where they have some power, and rather than using it for good and to help others, how often do we find professors, middle managers, security personnel, parents, spouses, etc... using their power to exact vengeance from their subjects in the name of the hurt and impotence they feel against the system that is denigrating them. You make great points!