what i do instead of homework

reading this textbook on interpersonal communication is quite ridiculous...
...
like the examples of 'reflected appraisal' that demonstrate ways children would begin to view themselves and the world negatively.


...


textbook example, pardon the pun.


i could have written these examples...


one thing mentioned in class today did stick to me.


it was mentioned that until cognitive complexity is developed just a little then children will believe whatever they're told which is why it's not good to tease them.


i thought of my pastor's daughter in third grade while i was in second.
she didn't have much cognitive complexity.
...


when did i not?


even when things people said in preschool or something bothered me i knew it wasn't right, was just their opinion, etc...


i suppose when i was two or three it wasn't quite there; judging from a story my mom told me.
she told me the cat said i was lying.
'i just don't understand why he would say such a thing!'

...

wait, this was when i was 3 or so and i got out that much of a sentence?
wordy little kid...


at the same time, just because you possess cognitive functions like that before most of the population does and you do not treat what they are saying as true... that does not mean that 'reflected appraisal' will not eventually pummel its way into your self-image in such a way that you spend years tearing it out.
it's remarkable how resilient i was only to wake up that one day freshman year of high school and realize...
i believed every word.


cognitive complexity, yes. 
but i wonder at how you can resist and succumb at the same time.


leave it to the paradox... ha!