Being an Asshole 💩

Iyanayatsu ni naru [嫌な奴になる]

 - Alfonz Ingram & cejames

Throughout research on self-defense, defense, it has been said and written, "Don't be an ASSHOLE!" For instance, when dealing with law enforcement the very first and foremost of importance in surviving the encounter is, "Don't be an ASSHOLE!"

In that light I felt it wise to find out, generally speaking, what asshole means. Here you go:

The term “asshole” has been analyzed in both popular culture and academic contexts, referring to a person whose behavior is selfish, insensitive, or antagonistic. 

Philosopher Aaron James explores this concept deeply in his book Assholes: A Theory, defining such individuals as those who feel “entitled to special treatment” and “immunized against the complaints of others.” James argues that an “asshole” operates with a sense of moral impunity, violating social norms without guilt, feeling justified in treating others poorly because they see themselves as uniquely deserving of privileges others do not have.

1. Sense of Entitlement: According to James, an asshole sees themselves as above the rules that govern everyone else. This sense of entitlement means they often dismiss feedback or critique, assuming they are exempt from norms of respect or fairness. Their actions might involve cutting in line, disregarding social etiquette, or treating service workers poorly, assuming these behaviors are acceptable for them.

2. Lack of Empathy or Perspective-Taking: Psychologists have studied individuals with traits associated with “asshole” behavior, often linking it to narcissistic or antisocial personality traits. Studies on narcissism, for example, show that people with these traits may lack empathy and struggle to see situations from others’ perspectives, leading to behavior perceived as arrogant, dismissive, or condescending.

3. Resistance to Self-Reflection: Another characteristic is a lack of introspection; individuals who consistently act in ways others find disruptive or hurtful often avoid self-reflection, instead rationalizing their behavior as justified. This resistance is often reinforced by defensiveness or denial, and they might blame others or society rather than consider their own impact on others.

4. Effect on Social and Workplace Environments: Research on “toxic” behaviors in workplaces has shown that individuals who act inconsiderately or disrespectfully can lower group morale and productivity, even leading to what psychologists term “emotional contagion,” where their negative behavior influences the mood and behavior of others around them.

These traits often lead to strained relationships and negative perceptions, as their behavior breaches social norms that are fundamental to cooperative living.

OffTopic: Being Fooled

 - Alfonz Ingram & cejames

“You can fool all of the people some of time; you can fool some of the people all of the time, but you can't fool all the people all the time.” Or can you?

Human susceptibility to being fooled, especially through misinformation, illusions, and manipulation, is a well-documented psychological and sociological phenomenon. Various cognitive biases, social pressures, and technological tools can be exploited to make fooling people surprisingly easy in certain contexts. 

Here’s a breakdown of why and how this happens, along with some references to foundational studies and theories.

Key Factors that Make People Easy to Fool

1. Cognitive Biases

Humans rely on mental shortcuts, or heuristics, to make quick decisions, which can lead to cognitive biases that make us vulnerable to deception. For instance:

• Confirmation Bias: People tend to favor information that confirms their preexisting beliefs, making it easier to deceive someone by aligning with their existing worldview.

• Anchoring Bias: The first piece of information received tends to heavily influence one’s judgment, even if that information is incorrect or misleading.

Reference: Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). “Judgment under Uncertainty: Heuristics and Biases.” Science, 185(4157), 1124-1131.

2. The Illusory Truth Effect

Repeated exposure to a statement makes it more likely to be perceived as true, even if it’s false. This phenomenon is often exploited in advertising, propaganda, and media misinformation, as repetition increases familiarity and believability.

Reference: Fazio, L. K., et al. (2015). “Knowledge does not protect against illusory truth.” Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 144(5), 993.

3. Social Influence and Peer Pressure

Humans have an inherent desire to conform to group norms. In social settings, people are often swayed by the majority opinion, even if it contradicts their own perception or reasoning. This tendency is seen in both groupthink scenarios and social media echo chambers.

Reference: Asch, S. E. (1951). “Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgments.” In Groups, Leadership and Men, 177-190.

4. Authority Bias

People are more likely to trust and believe information if it comes from a perceived authority figure, whether that authority is genuine or fabricated. This is frequently used in scams or persuasive advertising where an “expert” endorses a product or idea.

Reference: Milgram, S. (1963). “Behavioral Study of Obedience.” Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(4), 371-378.

5. Misinformation and Deepfake Technology

Modern technology has created tools to manipulate both visual and auditory information. Deepfakes and AI-generated media make it increasingly difficult to distinguish real from fake, exploiting visual trust and creating highly convincing illusions.

Reference: Chesney, B., & Citron, D. (2019). “Deepfakes and the New Disinformation War: The Coming Age of Post-Truth Geopolitics.” Foreign Affairs, 98(1), 147-155.

6. The Dunning-Kruger Effect

People with limited knowledge on a subject often overestimate their understanding and competence, making them more susceptible to believing misinformation or falling for scams. This effect underscores how overconfidence can be manipulated to make people more vulnerable.

Reference: Kruger, J., & Dunning, D. (1999). “Unskilled and unaware of it: How difficulties in recognizing one’s own incompetence lead to inflated self-assessments.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1121-1134.

7. Emotional Manipulation

People are more likely to believe or act on information that evokes a strong emotional response. Media and social platforms often use fear, anger, or joy to increase engagement with content, even if it’s not accurate.

Reference: Lerner, J. S., & Keltner, D. (2000). “Beyond valence: Toward a model of emotion-specific influences on judgment and choice.” Cognition and Emotion, 14(4), 473-493.

8. Scarcity and Urgency Tactics

Techniques that create a sense of scarcity or urgency make individuals more impulsive and less likely to critically evaluate information. This principle is often used in advertising and scams that urge people to act quickly to avoid “missing out.”

Reference: Cialdini, R. B. (2001). Influence: Science and Practice. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Practical Examples of Fooling People

• Misinformation on Social Media

Studies have shown that false news spreads faster than true news on social media, largely because it is designed to trigger emotional responses and is often crafted to align with existing biases.

Reference: Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). “The spread of true and false news online.” Science, 359(6380), 1146-1151.

• Placebo Effect in Medicine

The placebo effect demonstrates how belief can directly impact perception and experience. Patients often report symptom relief simply because they believe they are receiving effective treatment, showing how expectations can fool perception.

Reference: Colloca, L., & Miller, F. G. (2011). “The placebo effect and its implications for clinical practice.” Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 12(3), 212-222.

Conclusion

Human susceptibility to being fooled is rooted in our cognitive architecture, emotional responsiveness, and social behaviors. Our brains are wired to make sense of the world quickly, often at the expense of accuracy, making us vulnerable to misinformation, biases, and manipulation. Understanding these mechanisms can help individuals recognize and resist attempts to deceive, encouraging more critical evaluation of information and awareness of one’s own biases.

WARNING DANGER: Choke Hold for Self-Defense

WARNING: USE AT YOUR OWN RISK; USE TO YOUR OWN DETRIMENT! IN MY PERSONAL OPINION IT SHOULD BE OUTLAWED IN BOTH SPORT AND DEFENSE!!!

As evidenced by the use of this method in a wide variety of cases it has become apparent it may be best to avoid using it in a self defense event. As you will see in the following a person has to be extreamly proficient in its application and must consider that in its use one must deal with considerable uncontrollable variables far and above other methods better suited for self-defense. In short, use at your own extremely dangerous risk!

Using a choke hold as a self-defense technique carries significant risks, both physically for the person being choked and legally for the person applying it. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the dangers associated with choke holds:

1. Physical Risks

• Risk of Asphyxiation and Death: Choke holds  restricts blood flow and air to the brain. If improperly applied or held for too long, they can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or even death. This is especially true with “vascular chokes” like the rear naked choke, which compresses the carotid arteries.

• Nerve Damage: Compression on the neck can cause damage to the vagus nerve or other nerves, potentially leading to long-term medical issues like paralysis, difficulty swallowing, or nerve pain.

• Neck and Spinal Injury: The neck is particularly vulnerable, and even slight misalignment during a choke can lead to cervical spine injuries, which could result in paralysis or even death.

• Respiratory Injury: Choke holds that compress the trachea, such as the “air choke,” can cause trauma to the windpipe, potentially resulting in life-threatening swelling or asphyxiation after release.

2. Psychological and Ethical Considerations

• Intense Fear Response: When choked, people often experience extreme fear and panic, which can escalate a self-defense situation unnecessarily. The psychological trauma of being choked can have lasting effects on both the victim and the individual applying the choke hold.

• Excessive Force: Choke holds are often viewed as excessive force in self-defense. Using them requires careful consideration of the specific threat level, as they are often seen as an escalation rather than a de-escalation tactic.

3. Legal Implications

• Misuse and Liability: Choke holds are often deemed as potentially lethal force and are sometimes banned by law enforcement agencies due to the risk of fatal outcomes. Courts often see their use as excessive, especially in situations where alternative control techniques could have been used. (Count on this being used excessively to put you away)

• Standards of Proportionality and Imminence: Self-defense laws typically require that any force used be proportionate to the threat faced. Because choke holds are inherently dangerous, their use can be difficult to justify legally unless it’s a last-resort measure in an immediate life-threatening situation. (Good luck with that)

• Risk of Criminal Charges: In self-defense cases, if a choke hold causes severe injury or death, the person who applied it may face criminal charges, particularly if it can be argued that less dangerous techniques were available. (And there are many other options and I personally believe the glorification of this method by the entertainment use of it promotes its use and practice!)

4. Practical Challenges in Application

• High Skill Requirement: Choke holds require precise application to be both effective and safe. Without proper training, there’s a higher chance of causing unintended harm, which increases both physical and legal risks.

• Difficult to Control: Unlike other restraint methods, choke holds can be difficult to disengage from once they’re applied. This can make it challenging to safely assess the effect of the hold and may lead to unintentional harm.

References

1. U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Police Training Standards: The DOJ has set guidelines to restrict choke holds due to the high risk of fatal outcomes and has pushed for alternative restraint techniques in law enforcement.

2. Medical Research on Carotid Restraints: Studies from medical journals, such as those published in Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, highlight the risks associated with vascular restraints and their impact on brain and neck health.

3. Legal Case Studies and Self-Defense Law Analysis: Review of legal precedents in self-defense cases involving choke holds, as well as guidelines set by organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which has highlighted the dangers of choke holds in both civilian and law enforcement contexts.

If you’re considering using choke holds as part of your self-defense training (DON'T), seeking expert instruction and understanding the associated risks and legal restrictions is essential.

Hypervigilance

Kado no keikaishin [過度の警戒心]

Being on high alert all the time for self-defense, often referred to as “hypervigilance,” can have a number of negative physical, mental, and emotional effects. 

Here are some of the dangers:

1. Chronic Stress and Fatigue

Constantly being on guard keeps the body’s stress response activated, leading to the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Over time, this can result in chronic stress, which wears down the body and mind. Chronic stress can lead to:

• Physical exhaustion: The body becomes fatigued because it is in a constant state of fight or flight.

• Weakened immune system: Chronic stress can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.

2. Mental Burnout

Being in a hypervigilant state drains mental energy. The constant need to scan your environment for threats can lead to:

• Mental fatigue: Over time, decision-making becomes slower and more difficult as mental resources are depleted.

• Anxiety: Hypervigilance often leads to anxiety or panic attacks, as the mind becomes overly attuned to perceiving threats where there may not be any.

• Paranoia: When you’re always on edge, you might start to see danger in situations that are harmless, which can cause irrational fear or mistrust of people.

3. Emotional Strain

The constant tension of high alert can wear down emotional stability and lead to:

• Emotional numbness: When the mind is in a constant state of alertness, it can become desensitized to everyday emotional experiences, creating a sense of detachment from others.

• Irritability and anger: Hypervigilance may increase irritability or lead to anger over seemingly minor situations due to an overly reactive nervous system.

• Difficulty relaxing: It becomes hard to “switch off” and enjoy peaceful or restful moments, which are crucial for emotional balance.

4. Impact on Relationships

Being on high alert can cause strain in personal relationships due to:

• Social withdrawal: Hypervigilance can make someone avoid social situations or relationships because they fear potential conflict or danger.

• Distrust: Constant suspicion of others’ intentions can make it difficult to maintain healthy, trusting relationships.

• Communication issues: A person on high alert may react defensively in conversations, leading to unnecessary conflict or misunderstandings.

5. Physical Health Risks

The physiological effects of being constantly on guard can lead to:

• Heart problems: Prolonged high alertness can increase heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to long-term cardiovascular issues.

• Sleep disturbances: Hypervigilant people often have trouble sleeping because their bodies are in a heightened state of alertness, leading to insomnia or poor-quality sleep.

• Muscle tension and pain: Constant stress can cause muscles to tense up, leading to chronic pain, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders.

6. Reduced Situational Awareness

Ironically, being overly alert can sometimes reduce the ability to effectively respond to real threats. Constant hypervigilance can lead to:

• Tunnel vision: The mind may become too focused on perceived dangers and miss other important aspects of a situation, reducing overall awareness.

• Overreaction: When someone is constantly expecting danger, they may overreact to minor incidents, escalating situations unnecessarily.

7. Long-Term Psychological Effects

Over time, always being on high alert can contribute to more serious psychological issues such as:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Those who have experienced trauma and remain hypervigilant may develop PTSD, marked by intense anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress.

• Depression: The constant strain on emotional and mental resources can lead to feelings of hopelessness or depression, particularly if someone feels they are constantly in danger without relief.

8. Poor Decision-Making in Crisis

When the mind is chronically in fight-or-flight mode, decision-making in actual self-defense situations can become impaired. This includes:

• Impulsiveness: Reacting too quickly without evaluating the situation properly, which can lead to poor choices or escalation of conflict.

• Lack of clear judgment: Constant stress can cloud the ability to assess a threat clearly, increasing the chances of errors in judgment.

Balancing Vigilance with Relaxation

While it’s essential to remain aware of your surroundings for self-defense, it’s equally important to find a balance that allows you to relax and recharge. Some strategies to manage and reduce hypervigilance include:

• Mindfulness practices: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing can help ground you and lower stress levels.

• Regular physical activity: Exercise can help release built-up tension in the body and alleviate stress.

• Healthy boundaries: Learning to assess and respond to situations appropriately can help reduce unnecessary vigilance.

• Mental relaxation exercises: Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation and visualization can help train the body to switch off hyper-alertness when not necessary.

By finding balance, you can stay prepared for threats without letting the strain of hypervigilance negatively impact your life.