Several videos posted on social media showed a chaotic scene as law enforment officers in helmets and reflective jackets scuffled with shouting protesters, some carrying umbrellas. Many of the protesters appeared to link arms forming a barrier as officers moved in.
Could they separate them? Yes, but then it would make 1 harder to justify. Combining 1 and 2 into one idea is a way for people to avoid the cognitive dissonance that comes about when encountering a difficult idea.
In short, we are witnessing a psychological defense technique.
They intentionally conflate two things :
Could they separate them? Yes, but then it would make 1 harder to justify. Combining 1 and 2 into one idea is a way for people to avoid the cognitive dissonance that comes about when encountering a difficult idea.
In short, we are witnessing a psychological defense technique.