Learning
about the behavior and psychology of our own species is a funny thing.
Those who are aware of the reality of the human animal's tendency to
control and manipulate other members of their group are more likely to
see analysis for what it is, but those who are not aware, or who are
invested in such control behavior in their daily lives, often react
emotionally to discussions about human behavior,
and misinterpret it as lamentation, "dwelling in the past", wallowing,
and whining. Fascinating, since most humans do not react to discussions
about the behavior of OTHER species in this way. Since it's removed from
them personally, they can understand that it's observation. So when we
talk about the social dynamics of Grey wolves, for example, most people
can simply talk about it without reacting with defensiveness or
condescension, or projecting "motivation" onto the observer/researcher.
They can read and hear about how both Alpha males and females lead
packs, how both genders often oversee the behavior of both sexes in the
rest of the pack, how they discipline and teach their pups, and how
occasionally a wolf will get ostracized, driven out of the pack. They
can hear about the general behaviors of Polar bears, or of Elephants,
Cheetahs, and simply learn and discuss without assigning some kind of
emotional "motivation" to those who study, observe, and write about
their observations. They seem to know the difference when it comes to
the study of other species.
But when it comes to reading about the behaviors of their own species, many tend to jump to conclusions about anyone who observes and writes about human behavior. This is another form of PROJECTION. They are placing their OWN motivations upon those who observe Human behavior. This projection is somewhat understandable, since many humans take any kind of observation of the species personally, especially when they feel they recognize themselves in the observations. If they don't see themselves in the observations, they may not have a defensive reaction at all, or feel compelled to assign and project an emotional or ulterior motive.
But when it comes to reading about the behaviors of their own species, many tend to jump to conclusions about anyone who observes and writes about human behavior. This is another form of PROJECTION. They are placing their OWN motivations upon those who observe Human behavior. This projection is somewhat understandable, since many humans take any kind of observation of the species personally, especially when they feel they recognize themselves in the observations. If they don't see themselves in the observations, they may not have a defensive reaction at all, or feel compelled to assign and project an emotional or ulterior motive.
