Andrew Wong
1/26/15
CH 203.1003
Reading Response 1
Word Count 569
“Backfire” as Keohane writes in the article is, “is a natural defense mechanism to avoid
that cognitive dissonance”. Basically it is backfire is peoples’ denial or skewed perception of
facts in order to adapt it to better fit their beliefs. It occurs because, “people tend to seek
consistency”. And to counter backfire, Keohane suggests several things, first is to push for better
education and awareness, but also a worst punishment for those who spread misleading facts.
The article title was a little misleading. Keohane’s verbage hurts his article in persuading
the reader of the negative effects of backfire, how and why it happens, and possible solutions to
backfire. Keohane uses words like “corrected facts” right off in the second paragraph. There is a
