blog 2

To say you know the truth of something or someone is to say you know for a certainty, no one or nothing can tell you different. Our society is built on what we are taught and told from individuals like ourselves. We sometimes believe the information given to us because of the facts presented with that statement, or because of lack of information and education. Rumors are typically generated from one individual passed along throughout many individuals.

The author in this reading is one whom is very disturbed by human beings easily deceived by rumors and lies. The author’s main concern is how easy people can be manipulated; it’s almost conformability for some. This passage exhibits a study conducted by Garret & Nesbit recruiting 750 individuals who were already exposed to a specific rumor. With their method of using insinuating pictures and inflammatory quotes these two men were able to divert ones beliefs already instilled in almost a third of these prospects.

According to a study mentioned in this passage, “when subjects are presented with data that contradicts their beliefs, they often – paradoxically – respond by sticking to their biases even more strongly.” Most individuals need to protect their ego or pride to uphold their thinking and way of life. Others merely don’t appreciate being told they are wrong. It is humane that the one believing it protects the values of his/her thoughts. As a human being we want to keep constant assurance that our opinions and the knowledge we have obtained, has helped enhance the structure of our characteristics. Who wants to have their character questioned?

Our brain plays a major role in the decisions that are made by us. The brain helps us determine what makes sense; it guides us when making a judgment call and it has the capability to constantly change. “Investigators look deeper in conducting studies of the brain to see how the prefrontal cortex – the seat of reason, the amygdala – the seat of fear and the other primal emotions, light up or power down in such situations.” This statement is based on chemical reactions performed in the brain that majority of us tend to forget play a major factor in the way we are made up.

In retrospect to this passage the author points out very informative studies and makes very compelling claims.  Our beliefs are what make our sense of identity mean something. We shouldn’t allow easy manipulation crowd our judgments and beliefs. “It’s up to us to find a place in a world of facts and make our decisions based on that information.”