Preconceptions are socially and psychologically constructed though, they aren't inherently natural, and they're also not defining. For the most part they are 'learned behaviours from our social environment and upbringing'. i.e. we learn most of our preconceptions initially from sources we trust, and then increasingly from our own experiences.

If we don't challenge our preconceptions, we stagnate. Preconceptions exist because it increases the speed of efficiency with which the human brain reacts in a primitive environment, not because its more accurate. In a primal environment, that's a benefit. In modern society it isn't.

But Preconception (and all apriori knowledge) are not hard coded, by develop based on our experiences related to them and they become enhanced by those experiences.

Prejudices do have a cognitive function, but those functions develop according to how we experience difference between our preconceptions and our experiences.

I'd argue that most people barely thought about Romanians prior to this thread.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
[Link]

Have not read anyone abusing Abott because she is black. She gets abuse because she is a complete and utter corrupt f***wit.

I also think that a lot of politicians are w**kers if you really want to sit and think about it. Most of them are massively detached from the lives most of us lead. However, if you're into party politics and love all the tribal warfare it creates on social media then you're probably going to blindly defend the ones that bat for your chosen team and attempt to smear the ones that bat for the opponents.

Absolutely, I think because a previous poster outright lied about the behaviour of people on this forum and it was important to call them out for it. Funny, it was akin to an attempt at stirring up some racial hatred wasn't it?!

Yup for all his faults he was a great motivator for the cause.

I think he is making the right choice the Reform party is now looking at issues such as abolish the TV licence and House of Lords. All necessary things but it will be a long haul not sexy to the public so I can see how he's had enough it's time to pass the torch.

Than you Nige

One more point

He may have been a one trick pony and you are right there is no obvious career path for him now but I don't think you can say he was not very good. We would not have had a referendum without him.

He may have only sung one note but he did that very well.

NB Note to Extinction Rebellion, Green Party and others.

I often hear people say direct action is the only solution as democracy in this country is rigged. Well Nigel showed that a minority party can through the ballot box achieve its aims without disrupting people going about their lives.

Edited by Badger11 (08 Mar 2021 9.09am)

One more point

Yes. He's unelectable, except when it mattered, like that small time he won the EU parliament elections in 2014, paving the way for Cameron s***ting the bed and...

...promising the in-out EU referendum Farage had been calling for for years and...

...subsequently won.

After it became apparent the pro-EU establishment were intent on delivering a complete cop-out...

...he then launched a new party that then won the EU parliament elections again, forcing the government onto a much harder-line track, so that....

...he could achieve his lifetime political ambition.

Pretty much the only thing even remotely accurate in your post? "He's stepping down"

Well done Nigel - you took on the political establishment and won. Enjoy your retirement from front-line politics - let's hope for the sake of your opposition that you mean it this time!

There were a lot of dirty tricks used against Farage when it came to his parliamentary efforts.

As for your thoughts on con-men....mmmm.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

The most influential political figure of the decade and probably much longer. Made David Cameron look like an intern, but he’ll be happy in luxury. It will be an interesting decade when we look back at it and Farage led the public will to change its path away from a United States of Europe, and thank Farage for that.

COYP

Ha. A lot of money was spent keeping Nige out of Parliament, but he still won one of the greatest victories in political history.

Meanwhile, crazy communists still dream of unicorns and other impossible claptrap.