Perhaps another way to look at it is through an identity point of view.
We all identify with certain things, and probably underestimate the value of said things to our identities.
When we feel they are attacked, it's like a part of us are attacked, which, for someone who is impulsive emotionally, will cause a reaction of "I must defend that thing".
An example might be someone who likes hockey. If someone else comes and criticizes hockey a bunch, the first person could feel personally attacked (even though it's about hockey, not about them).
Spot on. People identify with an idea of who they are subconsciously.
Anytime somebody attacks that idea they perceive it like a physical attack on themselves.
That's what causes them to lash out irrationally or run away in various other ways, it triggers their fight or flight instinct.
This is why you can't bring up anything directly, because the second you challenge their subconsciously perceived self you become a mortal threat.
There are ways around this issue, but I haven't found anything that doesn't require ridiculous amounts of patience.
If anybody knows how to get through to them efficiently I would love to hear some input.
You may be onto something.
Normies will often reflexively try to say anyone who talks about this kind of stuff has been brainwashed.
Perhaps another way to look at it is through an identity point of view.
We all identify with certain things, and probably underestimate the value of said things to our identities.
When we feel they are attacked, it's like a part of us are attacked, which, for someone who is impulsive emotionally, will cause a reaction of "I must defend that thing".
An example might be someone who likes hockey. If someone else comes and criticizes hockey a bunch, the first person could feel personally attacked (even though it's about hockey, not about them).
Spot on. People identify with an idea of who they are subconsciously.
Anytime somebody attacks that idea they perceive it like a physical attack on themselves. That's what causes them to lash out irrationally or run away in various other ways, it triggers their fight or flight instinct.
This is why you can't bring up anything directly, because the second you challenge their subconsciously perceived self you become a mortal threat.
There are ways around this issue, but I haven't found anything that doesn't require ridiculous amounts of patience.
If anybody knows how to get through to them efficiently I would love to hear some input.
I think the word you’re looking for is confirmation bias
phobia or narcissism?