Attacking only strengthens the negative antihero identity

Evidence

There is little point in just attacking the extreme position, especially if everything revolves around this conflict. It is important to look for the exceptions: I don’t just criticize what doesn’t fit, but I praise when something goes well. Because through negative reinforcement, I still reinforce. The adolescent then thinks, “If I’m nothing else, at least I’m the negative antihero. The more enemies, the more honor.” — Holm Gero Hümmler, Ulrike Schiesser, Fact and Prejudice, 450

Categorization

• XREF: The point that even negative attention reinforces identity parallels the radicalization-identity literature and insights from the Parable of the Sower library about how rejection hardens commitment. — connects to: Anti-fans construct their identity in opposition to the target of their hatred — Alice E. Marwick, Status Update: Celebrity, Publicity,…, 393