Today we will discuss cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological term describing the uncomfortable tension that may result from having conflicting thoughts or beliefs (cognitions) at the same time, or engaging in behavior that conflicts with one’s beliefs.
For example:
- Joe Lieberman
- smoking
- office holiday parties
- Lost
- compassionate conservatism
- cheesecake
- “free stuff” on craig’s list
- Q-tips
- Perez Hilton
- employee of the month
- Axe body spray
- nose hair trimmers
- cheerleaders
- mohair
- Coldplay
- McDonald’s dollar menu
- credit reports
- Family Feud
- family feuds
- Joe Versus the Volcano
- wetsuits
- Cirque du Soleil
- tapeworms
- Ice Ice Baby
- bacon
- snooze buttons
- Nicolas Cage
02/2/08 at 8:24 pm
omg! i have an irrational fear/hatred of nicholas cage! i thought i was the only one…
and don’t forget hillary swank and johnny depp. CREEPY!
02/3/08 at 8:22 am
Good list! I’ll have to give some thought to my own, and I’m sure a few of these are on there.
02/3/08 at 2:45 pm
I like the list, and I have a question. It seems like an under used application of cognitive dissonance theory is the study of long term events as opposed to a simple object. Classic long term examples exist for smokers and those who have unprotected sex, but what about college, or abusive relationships that endure? Are they not basis for long term cognitive dissonance? Smoking reaches cognitive dissonance as a single act multiplied, but what about long term events that are more complicated. Like the cognitive dissonance in voting or racism? Any long term cognitive dissonance that resonates with you?
02/3/08 at 4:40 pm
a belief in creation science?
02/4/08 at 6:50 am
Good list! The only thing I can think of now is how I hate Vanilla ICE! And I can’t get that stupid song out of my head. Thanks for that.
02/4/08 at 8:38 am
creation science, sigh, oh yes.
02/4/08 at 8:49 am
everyone hates the vanilla ice, but when that song comes on, they all sign along. pure cognitive dissonance…ice ice baby!
02/4/08 at 4:38 pm
The more interesting thing is how people try to deal with said dissonance.
I try to convince myself that Perez Hilton really is a worthwhile human being… which is clearly delusional.
02/5/08 at 10:54 am
I kinda have a soft spot for ice ice baby and the man himself. The rest of your list, however, is brilliant.