Firewalls

Whenever I hear the term “firewall” I am reminded of the concept of “defense mechanisms.” It is a term used to describe the type of coping that we employ to keep our egos intact to keep it from becoming overwhelmed and eventually breaks down. This is important since the indidual needs to function. As I continue to meet and talk with people, the more it has become clearer that defense mechanisms have evolved.

The most common firewall that most people use is intellectualization. To overcome any psychological threat, they employ rationalization of things/issues. For instance, for people who deny that they discrminate people, they will say that this is a democartic country, therefore they are free to exercise their rights. For people with economic power, they will argue that they hire people based on their preference because they own the company.

 Another example is the policy on tax refund has been disguised to favor the working class but in reality, the rich people get the bggest chunk of the money. The real intention was hidden behind by an elaborate discussion regarding its rational before it was implemented.

To cope with the ignorance of the law, I know of a co-worker who makes the excuse that “oh i did not know i made a discrminatory statement,”?!  This person usually gets away with this when they talk with people who are gullible. How can you not know? It is very basic logic that when you exclude a person or a group from the benefits that you are offering for the majority, this is simple discrimination.

I know, it is very sad that there are those who claim that they are educated yet they don’t realize that they have not learned anything.