Our Location
Strachówka, Poland, Europe
We live in a world where irrational ideologies, like certain interpretations of political correctness, can gain significant traction. Why do people accept them, sometimes even fervently defend them, despite their inherent contradictions and absurdities? The answer lies in a complex interplay of psychological factors.
The Shadow of Fear
Fear plays a crucial role. Fear of social ostracization, fear of being labeled as insensitive or bigoted, fear of losing one’s job or social standing – these anxieties can drive individuals to conform to ideological pressures, even when they harbor doubts. It’s often easier to parrot the accepted narrative than to risk the potential consequences of dissent.
The Hunger for Acceptance
Humans are social creatures with a deep-seated need for belonging and acceptance. Conforming to prevailing social norms, including adherence to specific ideologies, can provide a sense of belonging and validate one’s place within a group. This need can be so powerful that it overrides critical thinking and rational evaluation of the ideology itself.
The Comfort of Social Roles
Ideologies often prescribe specific social roles and behaviors. Adopting these roles can provide a sense of structure and certainty in an otherwise complex world. It can be comforting to know how one is expected to think, speak, and act, even if those expectations are based on questionable principles.
The Subpersonality Within
Perhaps the most significant factor is the role of subpersonalities. Within each of us reside various subpersonalities, or “inner selves,” each with its own set of beliefs, values, and motivations. One of these subpersonalities might be particularly susceptible to the allure of a specific ideology. This subpersonality may have a strong need for conformity, a fear of social rejection, or a desire for a clear-cut moral framework. When this subpersonality takes the lead, it can drive the individual to embrace and defend the ideology, even if other parts of their psyche have reservations. It’s as if the ideology finds a receptive host within the individual’s own mind.
Examples of Absurdity
The influence of these psychological factors can lead to some truly absurd outcomes. Consider the following:
- The policing of language: The idea that certain words or phrases, even if used without malicious intent, are inherently harmful and must be eradicated from discourse. This can lead to a climate of fear and self-censorship, stifling open and honest dialogue.
- The prioritization of feelings over facts: The notion that subjective feelings are always valid and should take precedence over objective evidence or logical reasoning. This can create an environment where debate and critical thinking are discouraged, and where emotional appeals are used to justify ideological positions.
- The creation of echo chambers: The tendency for individuals to associate primarily with those who share their ideological viewpoints, reinforcing existing biases and limiting exposure to alternative perspectives. This can lead to a polarization of thought and an inability to engage constructively with those who hold different beliefs.
Breaking Free
Understanding the psychological mechanisms that underpin our acceptance of ideologies is the first step toward breaking free from their grip. It requires a conscious effort to challenge our own biases, to question the narratives we’ve been told, and to cultivate the courage to think for ourselves, even when it means going against the grain. It’s about recognizing the subpersonalities that might be driving our ideological commitments and choosing which “inner self” we want to be in control.
FTC Harvest / February 2025
