Most definitions of psychological projection begin by stating that it’s a defense mechanism. Perhaps some unconsciously use it to protect themselves from looking in the mirror, but shrill politicians and their operatives use it consciously as an offensive mechanism.
It’s like little children on the playground. “You did it!” “No, I didn’t, YOU did it!” One can almost visualize the scene.
As with most behaviors, there are abundant examples of projection on both sides of the political aisle. However, as with most bad behavior, the Left is guilty of much greater frequency and abundance than the Right (see previous post entitled “It’s a Question of DEGREE!). And while the Right’s use of projection usually amounts to peccadilloes, on the Left its use is egregious!
Some examples:
- The Left says the Right is bereft of morals while promoting promiscuity, infanticide, drug abuse, profanity, homosexuality, profligacy, illegal immigration, etc.
- The Left condemns the use of fossil fuels and the companies that supply them while freely using their cars and planes.
- The Left calls the Right fascist at the drop of a hat, while Antifa is precisely the opposite of its name.
- The Left cries “racism” so frequently serious people don’t even bother to defend themselves against the labeling. It’s laughable that those who scream the accusation the loudest are themselves the poster children for racism.
I could go on and on. But if you’ve read this far, I’m preaching to the choir. You know precisely what I’m talking about and are probably as disgusted by the Leftist talking heads and rhetoric as I.
The question is, with a gullible, dumbed-down population receiving a constant dose of Leftist drivel, how do we combat the false impression created by their projection, and return to civility and equal time for traditional views?
Unfortunately, there is no high road to be taken. The megaphone the Internet and social media has placed in the hands of the Left has given them influence far beyond what they should have and certainly far more than they deserve.
The only answer is to fight fire with fire. That’s not to suggest the Right should engage in projection itself. It is to suggest that traditionalists cannot afford to let the “airwaves” be filled with Leftist nonsense and allow that nonsense to go unchallenged. We must use the megaphone ourselves, broadcasting what is right (Right) and counter punching and challenging every incidence of Leftist projection and other hypocritical behavior.
It’s ok to have opposing views. What’s not ok is to stand on the playground screaming projection epithets, accusations and patently false labels at others. Sometimes the playground bully is only silenced when the normally reticent recipient of that bullying runs up and punches the bully in the nose.
