Negative Concept: Misogyny and Projective Identification

If you are being discriminated against, try to figure out if misogyny is part of the problem. You may be able to find a solution. If not, you can get help. At work, you can usually go to your Human Resources office. If you feel discriminated against and can't solve the issue within your organization, you can contact the Equal Employment Office for more information. Your local Bar association can help you find an attorney if your situation escalates and you believe you need further assistance.

Refusing to let another person have his or her own thought is a form of projective identification. By projecting one's unwanted thoughts onto someone else, while accusing the other of having the thoughts, the innocent person feels stunned and confused. The projector also monitors the other person to control him or her to make sure he or she still has the thoughts. In this way, it is as if there is only one mind between two people instead of two minds since what the projector thinks is what matters.

In cases of physical abuse, perpetrators often blame victims for something they themselves think or do. Instead of taking responsibility for their own actions, they accuse the other person of bad behavior they often claim must be cor-rected.
In the case of domestic violence, battered women often come to believe what they've been told by violent men such as, "No one will ever want someone like you," "You're lucky I like you," or "You're a pathetic person, no wonder you disgust me."

A very positive concept: Mentalization

When people mentalize, they respect the thoughts and ideas of the other person which leads to positive relationships.

When groups of people collaborate, each person is able to have a different opinion without being excluded.

Corporate engagement is a result of mentalization. It is most effective when everyone in a company is involved.

In corporate settings, authentic engagement is crucial if job satisfaction and employee retention are priorities.

Mentalizing can led to a change in a company's corporate culture. This shift can increase employee satisfaction and eventually productivity.

Cultural change can come about when mentalization leads to engagement in the corporate world and in any other setting.