Studies show that most Americans reject facts when

[NRaleighLiberal]

28. It is a human (not just American) trait (perhaps a weakness).

When I taught Lean Sigma at my former job, we did a section on Paradigms - models for describing what we see. It talked about how even highly educated scientists disregard data if it falls outside of what they expect it to tell. I suspect there is some evolutionary necessity, at least at some point, for the tendency to put on the blinders, to filter what we see and read and block out information that cuts against our own personal belief systems.

Those who are described as cynical - or at least skeptical - are probably trying to work against such a human bias. But cynicism, taken to an extreme, can also eat one up from the inside, lead to bitterness, and disillusionment. Certainly, many of us here at DU, on particular topics, experience this. I know I do.

The tendency is actually why we refuse to watch or expose ourselves to ads - we try to think things through, and not accept much of anything at face value without processing it first. But, of course, that very processing is likely biased.

Those to use this to their advantage - corporations, political messaging - have a very powerful tool that is tough to fight - but fight it we must.

It reminds me of something I heard Bill Moyers say years ago - that a person's personal belief system carries far more weight than the truth.