Edward Snowden, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Why we think Edward Snowden is a Type 3
Image-conscious. In interviews, he is adept at coming off as both an expert and just a regular guy trying to do his duty. Rather than allowing himself to be defined by the accusations made against him, he has worked tirelessly to define himself in the public eye.
Effective communicator who knows his audience. Snowden has become an influential public figure in part due to his ability to articulate complex ideas related to privacy, surveillance, and human rights in a way that is engaging, inspiring, and easy to understand. He also tailors his communication to his audience; for example, shortly after his escape, he spoke compellingly to SXSW attendees about encryption technology and the tech community as “firefighters” against the surveillance state.
Recognition and validation. Snowden is aware of and actively cultivates public support; in interviews he quotes poll results showing that the public agrees with his actions, and he places that in direct opposition to the US government’s characterization of him.
Playing a role. He has crafted a public persona of the “principled whistleblower”, and reinforces that persona with strategic appearances on a wide variety of popular media shows and channels.
Energy. Although whistleblowing as an action can seem 1ish, his energy is more of a strategic, articulate, and confident 3.
Deceit. He was willing to claim that China is not a US enemy to justify his choice of escape. It also appears as if he exaggerated and lied about some of his credentials
Pride. In the BBC interview (link below), when speaking about his "privileged access" to classified information before becoming a whistleblower, he seems quite pleased with himself, as if his privileged access says something about his value. In the same interview, he also comes across as prideful when he describes his foresight in escaping with his assets in cash and when he says, “I know how to keep a secret safe, and I know when the public needs to know.”
Goal-oriented and driven. Snowden has consistently demonstrated a strong focus on achieving his goals. He worked his way up in the intelligence community, eventually securing positions with the CIA and NSA, which require a high level of dedication and ambition.
Perseverance. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including legal charges, exile, and ongoing threats to his freedom, Snowden has remained optimistic, confident, and committed to his position.
Edward Snowden quotes that show he is a Type 3
Snowden has said he wanted to "embolden others to step forward" by demonstrating that "they can win.”
“It depends a lot on the polling question, but if you ask simply about things like my decision to reveal Prism”—the program that allows government agencies to extract user data from companies like Google, Microsoft, and Yahoo—“55 percent of Americans agree. Which is extraordinary given the fact that for a year the government has been saying I’m some kind of supervillain.” (this quote demonstrates his focus on recognition and validation)
"The tide has turned, and we can finally see a future where we can enjoy security without sacrificing our privacy. Our rights are not a grant from governments, they are our inherent, birthright dignity as human beings" (this quote demonstrates his projection of a hopeful message)
"I may have lost my ability to travel, but I've gained the ability to sit in an airport for 10 hours with my laptop and change the world."