The Asch experiment
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This (clip from @project.knowledge ) is an incredibly strong and well researched effect—⠀humans are social animals and have a strong evolutionary impulse to fit into the group,⠀
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so much so that we’ll often go against our best interest, deny reality, etc. to not stand out, especially when the matter at hand doesn’t seem important (“It’s just a mask!”).⠀
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That’s one benefit of being a black sheep type in the current scenario. It’s easier for those of us who got used to being an outsider/standing out/being the weird kid/facing judgment long ago, than our generally socially accepted peers, to act against the group’s expectations.⠀
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And the importance of seeing someone without a face covering, hearing someone say that they’re not getting the vx or that they’re questioning it, etc.⠀
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can make a big difference in what may otherwise seem to be perfect compliance in everyone around oneself—which is strong, instinctual pressure to stay silent, comply, and act like nothing is out of the ordinary.⠀
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In the video, what if even just one of the actors had given the real answer? That alone may have galvanized the man in the test subject role to not suppress what he knew to be true.⠀
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So, for those fellow black sheep who are able to shoulder the disdain and misunderstanding of others, I suggest using that superpower for good. For the rest of you, I suggest that you push your edges on this for your own best interest.⠀
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Also note (I’m compressing two posts from my censored acct into just one here)—after the test subject in the vid decides to resolve the tension of his confusion by going along with the actors, HE ALSO STARTS ACTING LIKE HE IS GENUINELY THINKING ABOUT WHICH LINE IS LONGER.⠀
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But we know he’s ignoring what he knows is true and is just repeating what others say. And this is even in a scenario where the real answer is plainly in front of them all, and he still won’t refute it.⠀
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Don’t assume you’re wrong just because everyone else is acting like they know better. If you know the truth, stand up for it and for yourself, and so that others can find the strength to do the same.
