BLAMING OTHERS DISEASE
The following excerpt is from the self help
psychology book, Be Your Own Therapist.
The tendency for groups to blame others for their difficulties
is so widespread that at times it seems almost universal. While
we often do this as individuals, blaming others for our personal
problems, it as members of groups that we excel in this
accusatory trait. It is one of the major neurotic (i.e., skewed)
reasons why we join groups. They often provide refuge for us
with like-minded people who will agree with us that our problems
are out there instead of within. If there any perceived truth in
our blame of a particular target, then we are often quick to
place all the blame on that target. This excuses us from looking
at ourselves. How convenient!
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Its name is Public Opinion. It is held in reverence. It settles everything. Some think it is the voice of God... Mark Twain 1925 |
Verbal bashing is rarely seen as a trap. There is a sense of
being on the side of justice, and the process of bashing seems
to make one feel better (temporarily at least). Unfortunately,
this process is no better than making oneself feel better by
smoking, by drinking, or by another addictive behavior. Why?
Essentially, bashing just releases steam without facing one's
real issues beneath the anger. (A stage of blame is necessary,
but is not effective when directed at people/ groups of today -
see chapters 9 & 10.) In all likelihood, bashing will produce a
painful backlash. Confirmed bashers will feel righteously
indignant about the backlash and often trap themselves into more
bashing. VERBAL BASHING IS A TRAP!
Finding Out About Our Own Groups Exercise
(1)Make a list of all the groups to which you belong. (2)For
each of these groups, think of who is excluded. (3)Think of ways
you can be appreciative of each of those who are excluded (this
may be tough - these are often our most unpopular Earth School
teachers)
Next Excerpt 
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Celebration Time: If we are such a sexist society why do men vote as much as they do for women candidates? Why do blacks with a B+ high school average have a better chance than whites of entering college? |
More Excerpts This Chapter
OUR FAVORITE GROUPS: THIS AUTHOR WANTS YOU!
CELEBRATION TIME
MUST LACK OF UNDERSTANDING FEEL BAD?
HARD TRUTHS @
UNDERSTANDING AND BEING UNDERSTOOD
YOUR GROUP HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS ACME INC.
GOING-ALONG DISEASE
BLAMING OTHERS DISEASE
EFFECTIVE ACTIVISM TODAY
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
This Chapter's Quiz
Book Table of Contents
Psychology of Sex Education - Psychological Sexual Health Care
BLAMING OTHERS DISEASE © 1995-2004