Conservatives tend to score lower on empathy and have a more in-group/out-group mentality. So it is common for people to not think about different perspectives until they are personally affected. My favorite example of this is some article I read where a researcher ran small group surveys and asked people’s thoughts on trans people, and some of the responses were super specific like “trans people wear a lot of green,” or “trans people like bread.” And it was due to Jan from accounting or whatever being the only trans person they knew. So a single encounter shifts their whole perception and biases. There are a lot of people who grow up surrounded by people like them and have never had the need to see things from someone else’s perspective who is different from them.

Turns out my check engine light has flashy state as well and then also a separate maintenance required light? I am forever grateful for the random yt video detailing exactly how to fix my 20yo car. Even down to how detach every proprietary electrical connection. My mechanic said my car was dead but that video saved it.

I was pleasantly surprised to find my laptop is two generations behind so new RAM only cost $20 for an upgrade. One of the few times it pays to be poor.

I think it’s similar to cults or abusive relationships. It’s not a matter of intellect, it’s how vulnerable a person is when they encounter this thing that they think could help them.