Accountability is often perceived as something required of others, while individuals typically ignore their own lack of accountability. This arises from a primitive impulse to blame others for personal discomfort, which prevents self-reflection and promotes hypocrisy. When faced with blame, individuals tend to see themselves as victims and respond by shifting blame back. Behaviors aimed at controlling perceptions of oneself, known as impression management, serve as a euphemism for deceit. Additionally, cynicism arises from historical and personal grievances that reinforce negative perceptions, further complicating accountability.
In general, accountability is something we hold other people to, while ignoring our own lack of it. We're all at least a little hypocritical in that regard.
The psychological function of blame is or, which impedes accountability. No one feels accountable when blamed; they feel like victims, with a powerful impulse to blame back.
Don't be fooled by the common rationalization that blaming is "holding them accountable." Think of your gut response when someone holds you accountable.
"Impression management" is a euphemism for deceit, and cynicism is embedded in past offenses, historical, cultural, and especially personal.
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