I’m curious how many of these people are truly stupid, or is it just a lack of education? Or lack of interest in education?
These are the same people who don’t understand how bad things are in society until they hit at home. Are the not capable of expanding their world view enough to fit in new information, or do they prefer to stay in a child-like ignorance?
I think too many people are encouraged not to use their brains, at least here in the US. Questioning things is discouraged from childhood, while conformity is rewarded. People are terrified of standing out, or at least of having the appearance of “causing trouble.” It’s drilled into every generation at least til Z (I have no information on how gen Alpha is faring yet.) I’m Gen Y/Millennial and for sure my public schools, in a blue state, were very heavy on punishment and shutting down student dissent, even when the students are objectively right (like when a teacher shares a false idea as fact.) Those who stood back and watched didn’t get in trouble, and learned impactful lessons on what happens to those who dare question what they’re told. We’ve been trained for authoritarian rule since our youth, and some people wholeheartedly believe whatever their authority tells them. Their ability to critically think/think for themselves has atrophied.
Even when there’s a spark of understanding, pressure to remain in the “in-group” can override it. Cognitive dissonance lulls them back to the apparent safety of their “tribe,” where everything is as they believe it is, and some strong ruler is totally looking out for them. New ideas aren’t rewarded in this system, so there’s little point in trying to learn things. In fact if they learn too much, they could risk being alienated because of it. Again, that’s a big no-no. Must remain with the in-group.
The good news is, plenty of people break out of these cults groups. Those who do break out can attest to how bad it is. I really can’t overstate the amount of allegiance and deference we’re taught to give to others, and I’m not surprised so many people have taken the easy route and straight-up surrendered their brains. It’s all they’ve ever known.
I’m curious how many of these people are truly stupid, or is it just a lack of education? Or lack of interest in education?
These are the same people who don’t understand how bad things are in society until they hit at home. Are the not capable of expanding their world view enough to fit in new information, or do they prefer to stay in a child-like ignorance?
I think too many people are encouraged not to use their brains, at least here in the US. Questioning things is discouraged from childhood, while conformity is rewarded. People are terrified of standing out, or at least of having the appearance of “causing trouble.” It’s drilled into every generation at least til Z (I have no information on how gen Alpha is faring yet.) I’m Gen Y/Millennial and for sure my public schools, in a blue state, were very heavy on punishment and shutting down student dissent, even when the students are objectively right (like when a teacher shares a false idea as fact.) Those who stood back and watched didn’t get in trouble, and learned impactful lessons on what happens to those who dare question what they’re told. We’ve been trained for authoritarian rule since our youth, and some people wholeheartedly believe whatever their authority tells them. Their ability to critically think/think for themselves has atrophied.
Even when there’s a spark of understanding, pressure to remain in the “in-group” can override it. Cognitive dissonance lulls them back to the apparent safety of their “tribe,” where everything is as they believe it is, and some strong ruler is totally looking out for them. New ideas aren’t rewarded in this system, so there’s little point in trying to learn things. In fact if they learn too much, they could risk being alienated because of it. Again, that’s a big no-no. Must remain with the in-group.
The good news is, plenty of people break out of these
cultsgroups. Those who do break out can attest to how bad it is. I really can’t overstate the amount of allegiance and deference we’re taught to give to others, and I’m not surprised so many people have taken the easy route and straight-up surrendered their brains. It’s all they’ve ever known.