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Originally Posted by OblivionIsAtHand
What's the psychological principle behind most people rejecting experiences, people, or things that they don't understand? Rather, why are things that are 'different' so readily eschewed or outright condemned/hated? I understand, of course, that new sensory or actions that go beyond our expected patterns cause frustration. But why is this, psychologically speaking?
Is the simple answer that we humans are just combating animalistic impulses still, and that knee-jerk emotion of frustration to the inexplicable doesn't really have to make sense? Is it just a feeling that merely exists, with little reason or purpose? Or, is there, say, an evolutionary reason behind our reptilian brains lashing out in frustration at the unknown?
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So if someone took the opportunity to understand the experience, person, or thing, would they then like it or agree with it? Some people are rigid. I guess it's a control thing? I don't know about most people, but when I react to the "different," it's not based on frustration; it's usually based on fear. I appreciate knee-jerk reactions; they've been very helpful to me at times. But, what a disadvantage it could be to health and happiness to believe every first impulse!