What We See Isn’t Always What Is
The way we view the world—and interpret information—is often a reflection of who we are and the backgrounds we come from. Our perspectives act as mirrors. One person may see one reality, while another sees something entirely different. This divergence becomes dangerous when good people are mistaken for bad, and bad people are celebrated as good. These misjudgments are often the result of perceptual filters clouded by inappropriate beliefs—many of which stem from social group exclusion or a lack of exposure to broader societal norms that promote shared understanding.
When groups become too insular, like isolated tribes or clans, their perception of the world can shift so dramatically that justice and laws become warped to serve narrow interests. A classic example is the story of a tribe encountering a glass bottle for the first time—an event that fundamentally reshaped their worldview. Over time, isolation can give rise to fundamentally different assumptions and social behaviors.
A thriving society relies on its people and their shared commitment to fundamental principles. These principles are often learned implicitly, through lived experience, socialization, and cultural norms (Implicit Learning and Implicit Bias 👆). But what happens when that learning breaks down?
Consider an example where the legal system fails—where harm is knowingly inflicted on some, while others are unjustly rewarded. In this scenario, a group of corrupt officials—closely tied to wrongdoers—apply pressure on victims to protect and benefit their associates. Their actions include damaging reputations, manipulating children, abusing official positions, coaching others to violate civil rights, and even deceiving the elderly for profit. Veterans and intellectuals similary mistreated. These behaviors aren’t random; they reflect a pattern of goal-directed collusion, historically useful and now repurposed for modern use.
These aren't mere missteps but coordinated actions influenced by individuals with high levels of dark triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy), surrounded by enablers—“blind monkeys,” as in The Wizard of Oz. They dehumanize victims, distort the truth, and weaponize the law. They disrepected the sanctity of life and the innocence of others because of their desires. Just about everyone knew they were doing it, were immunized to do again, and rewarded. Without effective checks, the system becomes a closed loop serving insiders rather than the public good.
In such environments, even those aware of wrongdoing may stay silent, fearing exclusion from the clan or social circle. The system becomes an extension of their social lives and identity—not a mechanism for justice. While the system may be functioning, it struggles to consistently serve its intended purpose.
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"Your vision will become clear only
when you can look into your own heart.
Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside,
awakes." Carl Young
The deeper meaning of
these social contracts and their
value to society.
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Entrenched networks like these erode institutional trust, exploiting systems meant to protect for personal gain. In these complex cases, judges may find it easier and more tempting to side with aggressors and place burdens on victims, perpetuating injustice. A type of its best we don't deal with what we created perspective. Whistleblowers are often met with retaliation, and the law becomes a tool of suppression rather than a vehicle for justice.
This doesn’t reflect the many principled officials who believe deeply in the law’s purpose. The vast majority serve honorably and care about their communities. However, a minority abuse the system without sufficient oversight or consequence. We can talk all day about justice and doing the right thing but if the end result is the same and bad actors can continue their patterned behaviors over and over then it is what it is!
Honor and integrity should outweigh hate and corruption. Unfortunately, in some settings, they have been replaced by self-interest, ego, and indifference to foundational values. When corrupted networks are silently enabled by judges or officials, public trust in institutional founding values written in the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other social contracts begins to unravel.
Unchecked hate in these environments becomes blatant and unapologetic. Unwritten rules replace constitutional ones, and “clan justice” begins to resemble the dysfunction often seen during times of transition. Once again, implicit learning plays a powerful role. The example of a worst case scenario helps us learn how to avoid by build models and limiting the infection of such "better than thou" wider groups with collective disdain for the philosophical purpose of justice.
Still, many good people and officials continue to fight for functional justice. But when those in power manipulate legal processes and conceal conflicts of interest, the justice system—because of its reach and power—is the first casualty. We can hope these injustices are eventually corrected, but it often takes years for the truth to be recognized and addressed. Examples can show us how hate and corruption works and what some of the solutions for correcting those unpatriotic values may be. It will also tell you how these clan based networks continue to be a risk when the perpetrators are left in their positions and illegal and secretive rulings of enrichment stand.
When hate and corruption take hold, the Constitution is reduced to a relic, scorned by those who reject the very ideals of liberty and justice for all—unless we hold the line and enforce those values, even against powerful insiders. We all must stand as a single people, a shared purpose, with a shared future benefit. There are those who are doing this and there are those who should have stood for something greater cowered (The proof in pudding to character and commitment to oaths.). While in some social networks it may be "cool" to engage in hate and corruption the truth is anything but. We can learn the peaceful, kind, encouraging, and persistence on values that will win at the end of the day no matter how many laws the clan breaks.
*This is a hypothetical philosophical thought experiment in which we will write a very positive ending. We must first explore what needs work and then discuss the abilty to improve. Take with a grian of salt and feel free to leave a message if you desire.
