The Heretic & The Feedback Loops of Negativity

A lot of the negativity associated with "heretics" is caused, not by others, but by his own judgment against his adversaries. In turn, he would lash out, insult his opponent to be "ignorant," "stupid," or "judgmental," and then would result in a vicious cycle, ultimately inflicted by his own, misperceived, judgment.

If a heretic promotes a fringe position, no one would agree with him. Someone would call his positions as "bullshit." No one would pay attention to him. Thus, he becomes a opportunist. Degrading every position which the "mainstream" side as unjustified. And eventually, view the mainstream not the one who is listening to him.

Thus, heretics must take extra precaution if they debate with the mainstream. Heretics should actively avoid any attempt to win attention. They should be aware of their own rationalizations, or status-seeking behavior.

If not, a vicious cycle ensures. The heretic would shout at the mainstream for ignoring his views. However, it is due to his own judgment whether or not the mainstream was really insulting him, ignoring him, or belittling him. Hence, the heretic would see it as an attack. An insult. And see the mainstream as his enemy. The mainstream will respond, too, by judging the heretic. The vicious cycle continues to turn. Back and forth.

Why are social vicious cycles interesting?

Let us examine some situations which can lead to social vicious cycles.

• Politically incorrect debaters


• Feminists and men's rights activists


• Children living under their parents' authority.


• The falsely accused "criminal."


• Students under the supervision of their teachers.


• Falsely arrested people.[1]


• Accused liars.

The implications:

• Politically incorrect debaters exaggerate their opponents to be "enemies" or "conspiracies."


• "Fringe movements" would seem more violent than they are.


• Feminists would exaggerate male violence. Men's rights activists would exaggerate female violence.[2]


• Children would be silenced, and would seem more rebellious than they actually are.[3]


• The falsely accused would seem more violent than they really are.[4]


• People who are accused of lying act nervous, which would make them look like liars despite being not.

References

1. Placebo Effects in Human Relationships: A Summary



2. Why I Ditched Left-Libertarianism



3. Blame Hierarchy, Not the People



4. Iterated Confirmation Bias