Mirror-Image Perceptions

Definition

This is a psychological concept where each party involved in a conflict views themselves as ethical and peaceful, while viewing the opposing party as evil and aggressive.

Analogy

Imagine you're looking at yourself in a mirror. You see your reflection as good-looking and well-dressed, but if there was another person on the other side of the mirror, they might see you differently based on their own perceptions or biases.

Related terms

Stereotype: A generalized belief about a group of people that often oversimplifies their characteristics.

Prejudice: An unjustified negative attitude towards an individual based solely on their membership in a certain group.

Discrimination: Unjustifiable negative behavior toward a group or its members based on their categorization.