You are correct, here, quite literally. A few years ago, I was on a field trip and a lawyer "friend" I've known for 30+ years was also on the trip. I was explaining how "global warming" was a money-laundering operation, and he literally stuck his fingers in his ears, and rushed away from me, loudly saying "I can't hear you!" over and over as I followed for a short distance. He avoided me the rest of the day. I was stunned by this behavior - had no idea he was so liberal/fragile/scared.