Okay, sure, the divisive narrative is effective and everyone should be vigilant regarding any such language. On the other hand, my own Conservative immigrant mother is a glowing example of… all of it. I won’t bore y’all with galling “I pulled myself up with my own bootstraps” illusory truth effect of which she’s convinced herself. But this mindset is pervasive and durable. It seems almost deterministic among Strict Father Model people that they can’t see how they stand on the shoulders of giants.

I’d sure love to hear any ideas anyone might have in undermining this self-dialogue that people use on themselves.