What Happens When the Ox You Gore Is the MBTI?
Ok, I guess it’s time to really wrap this up, this MBTI question. I realize that there are those that believe and those that don’t. I have to offer the observation that this is like discussing religion or politics. No amount of facts, research is going to change the minds of those that hold the particular belief. That’s not much of a problemfor religion and politics, but the justification of the use of scientific or purported scientific instruments lies with the facts and the data. If people don’t understand the data, they don’t understand the
instrument.
What is interesting is not that people differ in opinion but the actual reactions when people are faced with facts or information that could cause them to rethink their positions. With the topic of MBTI, it gets real interesting, because for those that believe strongly, the response is to deny the facts, ignore them, pretend they aren’t there, and respond (if at all) with personal attacks, or strange messages.
I’ve received both positive and negative messages on the topic, but none are more amusing than the approach of one list member, who enjoys sending “nastygrams’ in private e-mail. It’s no big deal but I think it is enlightening and relevant to the mindset of “believers”.
Here are three examples, all from the same person (on this list), all within 24 hours, that illustrates the odd responses. (name removed to protect the…well…).
#1
Oh dear Robert. Still trying to prove a point. Do you realise the brain is programmed to find what it is looking for? You dislike personality typing. I understand that. Why not accept the differences? Have you been hard done by through the use of profiling by some chance?
#2
Dear Robert
I see you still have a listening problem and so many are trying to get through to you. Sad.
#3
Dear Robert
I see you are digging an even deeper hole.
Lots of love
These responses typify the common reactions when this topic comes up. It’s almost like someone has dissed their mamas.
The question is: Do these reactions (and a few of the public ones on the list), MEAN something? Do they make the point that the instrument is often used (and abused) by people who can’t make more factual comments? Is there something about these “tools” that makes this subject particularly sensitive?
(PS. The poster of these examples often reacts like this…I have an entire collection of his wisdom, which rarely goes beyond this level…go figure).
Got a comment on this? Leave it below.