A rationalization’s defensive function need not cancel its objective truth

Evidence

We should never forget that there are two sides to every psychodynamic phenomenon, the unconscious or id element and the rationalization. Although the latter is psychologically defined as a defence mechanism, it may very well contain some non-psychological, objective truth which cannot simply be pushed aside on account of the psychological function of the rationalization. Thus some of the stereotypical messages, directed toward particularly weak spots in the mentality of large sectors of the population, may prove to be quite legitimate. — Theodor W. Adorno, The Culture Industry, 238

Categorization

Category: Contrarian or Surprising Claims

• DEEPTHINKING: Adorno granting that a stereotype’s message may hold objective truth despite its psychological function — the built-in self-correction the reader must honor to run the analysis honestly.