Getting annoyed when an ideology is criticized
When someone criticizes a group or belief system we identify with, we often feel a defensive reaction, even if the criticism is mild or true. This cognitive bias stems from the involvement of our identity and can prevent rational evaluation of the critique.
THE IDEA
2. Getting annoyed when an ideology is criticized
"I Fcking Love Science" (IFLS) is a popular Facebook page that shares pro-science memes, cartoons, and slogans such as "Got polio? Me neither. Thanks, science." In a discussion on the "I Fcking Love Science" Facebook page, one commenter named Jessica mentioned that even scientists are often resistant to facts that contradict their beliefs. "Humans are humans," she said.
As criticisms of science go, this was pretty mild (and undeniably true). But another commenter named Warren bristled at this insult to the honor of science. He retorted: "Uh, no. A thousand times no. That's not how science works. Ever."22
When you feel the urge to step in and defend a group or belief system against perceived criticism, chances are good that your identity is involved. I recently spotted an article titled "Why Atheists Are Not as Rational as Some Like to Think." I felt a spike of defensiveness, and readied myself to rebut the article's claims, even before opening it. The irony is that I've made this exact same point myself—that some self-identified atheists incorrectly think their atheism proves that they're "rational." But the fact that the argument was coming from an outsider, and seemed intended to discredit atheists, automatically raised my hackles.
When to use it
During a political debate, your party is criticized; you automatically dismiss the criticism without considering its merit.
A friend questions a religious practice you follow, and you feel personally attacked even though they are asking respectfully.
At work, a colleague points out a flaw in a project your team worked on, and you defend the team rather than listening to the feedback.
Online, you see a post criticizing a fandom you are part of, and you feel the urge to argue against it immediately.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Science critique on Facebook
On the "I F*cking Love Science" page, Jessica noted that scientists can be resistant to facts contradicting their beliefs. Warren immediately defended science, calling the criticism false, even though Jessica's point was mild and true.
Atheism article defensiveness
The author saw an article titled "Why Atheists Are Not as Rational as Some Like to Think" and felt defensive, ready to rebut, despite having made the same argument before. The outsider criticism triggered an identity-based reaction.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Recall a time you felt defensive when a group you belong to was criticized. What was the criticism, and why did it bother you?
How can you separate constructive criticism from an attack on your identity?
When someone critiques a belief you hold, what steps can you take to evaluate the argument objectively before reacting?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Scout Mindset (Julia Galef)