Redditor Shares Her Mom's Opinion That Space Isn't Real, And People Who Believe It Are "Manipulated By The Government"

Sometimes, conversations take an unexpected turn, and you find yourself in the middle of a debate you never saw coming. That's precisely what happened to this Reddit user during a recent car ride with their mom and mom's friend. The topic? Space, astrology, and some rather peculiar beliefs.

It all began when OP, their mom, and mom's friend started discussing astrology. They collectively brushed it off as fake and seemingly illogical. That's a perspective shared by many who view astrology as a pseudoscience.

But the conversation didn't stop there. The real twist came when Mom's friend dropped a bombshell: "Space is a lie from the government." Shockingly, OP's mom seemed to agree with these rather unconventional statements.

Fast forward to another day when the family was on their way to visit another family. Casual chatting ensued, as it often does on road trips. However, it didn't take long for the topic to circle back to the contentious space debate.

Here's where things took an uncomfortable turn. During this discussion, OP's mom's friend made a troubling statement. She claimed that if a white person said space was real, she would believe it.

OP, who is Black, couldn't help but find this statement unsettling. After all, some of the world's most accomplished astronauts are indeed Black.

OP decided to address the issue, arguing that they were simply trying to convey the truth. However, this only seemed to escalate the situation further. OP's mom's friend accused OP of being unteachable and went on a rant about government conspiracies, manipulation, and other conspiracy theories.

What followed was even more distressing. OP's mom's friend began making derogatory comments about OP's learning disability. OP has to navigate educational challenges, along with autism, ADHD, and anxiety, which makes these comments especially hurtful.

OP also pointed out that they went to Cape Canaveral, Florida, home to the renowned Kennedy Space Center. They witnessed real rockets, including the legendary Saturn V, and even spoke to someone who believed in the reality of space.

None of this was enough to convince OP's mom that space exists.

OP was with her mom and her mom's friend talking about astrology, when the friend's mom dropped a bombshell

u/mr_grandblox_YT

OP's mom brought up the topic again recently and OP called her out

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OP's mom said that OP was belittling her and that she wasn't teachable

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The Impact of Cognitive Dissonance

The heated argument between the Redditor and her mom exemplifies cognitive dissonance, where conflicting beliefs lead to psychological discomfort. When faced with strong opposing views, individuals often resort to defensive tactics to protect their beliefs, which can escalate conflicts. According to Dr. John Gottman, a renowned marriage researcher, "Cognitive dissonance can create a significant emotional response, leading individuals to cling to their existing beliefs rather than engage in constructive dialogue." This highlights how emotional reactions can reinforce existing beliefs, making it challenging to foster open discussions.

The argument quickly escalated and OP's mom said some seriously hurtful things towards her

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The mom told OP that she was stupid for believing the government

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The mom even mentioned OP's disabilities

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Family conflicts over beliefs, especially those that challenge fundamental understandings of reality, can be particularly distressing.

According to a study by Dr. Jonathan Haidt at NYU, discussions involving deeply held convictions often devolve into emotional battles rather than constructive conversations.

Understanding the roots of these beliefs can provide insight into why discussions become so heated, highlighting the importance of empathy and active listening.

OP can't wait to move out

u/mr_grandblox_YT

There's really no point in arguing

u/Questn4Lyfe

Biblical NASA

u/TreePretty

Navigating Difficult Conversations

To effectively manage conflicts with family members over contentious beliefs, it's crucial to establish a safe space for dialogue.

Experts recommend setting ground rules for discussions, such as avoiding personal attacks and allowing each person to express their views fully.

Additionally, employing techniques such as reflective listening can help validate feelings and reduce defensiveness, paving the way for more productive conversations.

We need to hear the mom's answers to these questions

u/carolina_candy

The people of Reddit were shocked after reading this story, and we can all understand why. Many of them came to the comments with questions because they needed some explanation from OP's mom.

In the end, the space debate became more than just a conversation; it became a reflection of how we sometimes cling to our beliefs, no matter how unfounded they may seem to others.

Psychological Analysis

This exchange between the Redditor and her mother clearly illustrates the challenges of discussing deeply held beliefs within families.

From a psychological perspective, these conflicts often arise from a lack of understanding and empathy, making it essential to approach such discussions with an open mind and a willingness to listen.

Analysis generated by AI

Analysis & Alternative Approaches

Conversations about differing beliefs can be fraught with tension, but understanding psychological principles can lead to healthier interactions.

By fostering empathy and practicing effective communication strategies, families can navigate these discussions without damaging relationships.