This #SundayMorning, we're asking what the point of these impeachment proceedings are. Trump's lawyers lie, CJR doesn't enforce the rules. Why participate in the sham if it won't change anything?
I've got one answer for you.
Cognitive dissonance.
(THREAD)
rantt.com/cognitive-diss…
I've got one answer for you.
Cognitive dissonance.
(THREAD)
rantt.com/cognitive-diss…
(2) When we talk about shifting deeply held belief systems or changing people's minds, we have to introduce cognitive dissonance.
It’s the concept that when faced with information that causes friction to the infallibility of our beliefs, we make 1 of 2 choices...
It’s the concept that when faced with information that causes friction to the infallibility of our beliefs, we make 1 of 2 choices...
(3) We either embrace comforting lies or accept unpleasant truths. Either we invest in theories that shore up our beliefs, however fantastic (see QAnon), or we come to terms with the idea that what we believe isn’t true.
(4) This process doesn’t happen overnight. It takes repeated exposure to contrary evidence or facts to make behavioral change occur.
As a former behavioral therapist, I see clear proof that it's happening in the Senate this week. The first is all this fidgeting.
As a former behavioral therapist, I see clear proof that it's happening in the Senate this week. The first is all this fidgeting.
(5) Don't tell me senators have trouble sitting still for lengthy hearings. They do this 24/7.
Nope, this is anxiety & discomfort driving them to leave their seats, assume an air of indifference, or find the nearest camera to repeat their carefully constructed narratives.
Nope, this is anxiety & discomfort driving them to leave their seats, assume an air of indifference, or find the nearest camera to repeat their carefully constructed narratives.
(6) The dead give away was the faux outrage over the "head on a pike" comment from Schiff. Why get so angry over repeating a news report?
It's because Schiff successfully pricked their comfortable bubble and they got defensive out of proportion to the action.
It's because Schiff successfully pricked their comfortable bubble and they got defensive out of proportion to the action.
(7) Will constantly having to confront evidence that undermines their beliefs cause enough friction to incite change? Probably not. McConnell's rushed trial ensures that.
But it does plant seeds of discomfort that will needle the GOP every time more evidence emerges.
But it does plant seeds of discomfort that will needle the GOP every time more evidence emerges.
(8) I'm too cynical & battle-weary to believe that the GOP will hold Trump accountable, but it's not just the Senate Schiff and company are speaking to. It's the American people.
First, there'll be defensiveness. His base will scramble to rationalize. Trump's support might surge
First, there'll be defensiveness. His base will scramble to rationalize. Trump's support might surge
(9) But the house of cards will fall as more and more people rub up against the friction of the ways in which Trump's actions and behavior don't reinforce their narrative.
It will grow increasingly harder for them to ignore the evidence and their own seeds of doubt.
It will grow increasingly harder for them to ignore the evidence and their own seeds of doubt.
(10) This is what happened with Nixon's trial. And while Trump's won't have the same period of time to take effect on the public, cognitive dissonance will continue on the stage of public opinion.
Trump has already been removed from office.
He just doesn't know it yet.
Trump has already been removed from office.
He just doesn't know it yet.
(END) Thanks to @jvhellew for the #SundayMorning thread suggestion. Come back next week and we'll do this again.
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