When those we grew up or gave some sort of exaggerated credit, it causes us to not want to believe they could be worse, especially much worse. We automatically look for excuses or reasons it isn’t true. Conversely, when people we just innately dislike do something great that helps society in some way, we automatically look for ulterior motives.
Demonizing and heroizing are both parts of our shadows. We all do it to varying degrees. I scapegoated Monica Lewinsky, back in the day. I grew enough to cringe later, over it, and enough after that to understand and forgive myself, later on. Turns out I can’t really force others to live up to my standards. I fall short of certain standards. I have to step back and honestly reassess my values and standards periodically, adjust myself or standards - often both.
It wasn’t easy for me to accept certain things about certain figures in my own life, including myself. And it’s fine to not rush to the gallows too. At some point, we need to make judgement calls, to protect self and others, from self and others.
Itt: cognitive dissonance
Elaborate?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance
When those we grew up or gave some sort of exaggerated credit, it causes us to not want to believe they could be worse, especially much worse. We automatically look for excuses or reasons it isn’t true. Conversely, when people we just innately dislike do something great that helps society in some way, we automatically look for ulterior motives.
Demonizing and heroizing are both parts of our shadows. We all do it to varying degrees. I scapegoated Monica Lewinsky, back in the day. I grew enough to cringe later, over it, and enough after that to understand and forgive myself, later on. Turns out I can’t really force others to live up to my standards. I fall short of certain standards. I have to step back and honestly reassess my values and standards periodically, adjust myself or standards - often both.
It wasn’t easy for me to accept certain things about certain figures in my own life, including myself. And it’s fine to not rush to the gallows too. At some point, we need to make judgement calls, to protect self and others, from self and others.