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I also think it is a reflection of living in a small world where you rarely see disagreement. So some find alternative views quite extreme, especially if their mental orientation is to aim for validation of their own views.

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Like the critic Pauline Kael, (who was very much a part of 70’s Manhattan socialite circles) publicly said following Nixon’s election: He couldn’t have won, I don’t know anyone who voted for him.

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I remember reading that quote. Absolutely great way to illustrate it. It is inconceivable anyone could vote for him because no one she knows does that.

I am in the UK. It was the same with the Brexit vote. The media class had convinced themselves only backward racists would vote to leave the EU as they didn't know anyone like that. Their shock was palpable when we voted to leave. You could tell they just couldn't process it.

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