Crystal answers “This book is disgusting to me. I do not...”

Patricia Barry asked this question about Educated:

This book is disgusting to me. I do not understand why an educated and worldly individual would have difficulty understanding the horrible and violent upbringing that she experienced. It is unbelievable to me that she could not understand the violent situation, yet uneducated upbringing she endured. I have completely misunderstood her manner of education in a life in our country, in this country, how is this possible?

Crystal I find it hard to believe that you aren't intentionally being obtuse to spark debate, or you have your own personal well of pain that you mask by atta…moreI find it hard to believe that you aren't intentionally being obtuse to spark debate, or you have your own personal well of pain that you mask by attacking other's pain.

Surely you must know that this happens all.the.time. The human brain is a liar - it tricks us, manipulates us, warps reality so that it can protect our egos and spare us pain. This is a well documented phenomenon in psychology. It's unfortunate that you think a survival instinct we are all born with is disgusting.

"My mom calls me fat and ugly because she doesn't want the other kids to make fun of me. She's trying to motivate me to be thin because she loves me," the brain of someone with an eating disorder who is verbally abused by her parents might lie.

"My husband hits me because he wants me to be better. I don't learn otherwise and keep screwing up. He loves me," the brain of a woman who is physically abused by her husband might lie.

"Maybe I am being crazy, maybe I'm not supposed to be mad that my friend said all of those horrible things about me behind my back. She was only telling the truth. If I get mad at her, then she'll be mad at me and won't be my friend anymore and no one else will be my friend," the brain of someone with low self-esteem being gaslighted by a friend who emotionally manipulates her might lie.(less)

flag

View 1 comment

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more