Introduction
Cognitive dissonance emerges when a person has two or more opposing views, attitudes, or values, which may cause discomfort or psychological stress. As I began to become ecologically concerned as a teenager, it was one time when I encountered cognitive dissonance.
Personal Experience
Even though I was committed to protecting the environment and lowering my carbon footprint, I often utilized single-use plastics. I was angry and guilty of myself for not upholding my principles. I began making tiny adjustments to address this contradiction, such as switching to reusable bags and water bottles, forgoing straws, and recycling more. I felt relieved and satisfied that I contributed to the environment as I made these improvements.
Example from Literature
The chosen news article is titled “The ‘Blue Wall’ of Silence Allows Bullying, Sexual Abuse, and Violence to Infect Police Forces” and was written by James Walker. The article discusses how a culture of bullying, sexual abuse, and violence inside police departments has been made possible by the “blue wall,” or the unwritten norm that police officers should not disclose their colleagues’ wrongdoings (Walker, n.d.). The “blue wall,” which prioritizes loyalty to fellow officers above holding them responsible for their conduct, is the external norm in this scenario.
To avoid deindividuation in this situation, the culture within police departments needs to shift to prioritize ethical conduct and accountability for all officers. Training programs can be implemented to promote ethical behavior and provide officers with the tools to identify and report misconduct (Walker, n.d.). Additionally, there needs to be a system in place that allows officers to report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. By changing the norms and values within police departments, the “blue wall” can be dismantled, leading to a safer and more just environment for officers and their communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, experiencing cognitive dissonance may be difficult and unpleasant because people find it difficult to reconcile their ideas and behavior. Trying to match one’s actions with one’s principles might bring about a feeling of fulfillment and lessen cognitive dissonance. The “blue wall” of quiet in police stations is another example of how external norms and values may affect conduct and produce undesirable results. We may endeavor to eliminate negative norms and build a more equitable society by supporting moral behavior, fostering responsibility, and developing a secure method for reporting misbehavior. Understanding cognitive dissonance and the impact of outside standards may assist people and communities in making more ethical and knowledgeable judgments.
Reference
Walker, J. (n.d.). The “blue wall” of silence allows bullying, sexual abuse, and violence to infect police forces. The Conversation. Web.