How to Spot Someone with Goofus Syndrome

Are you, or someone you know suffering with Goofus Syndrome?

Studies show that 9 out of 10 Americans have experienced Goofus Syndrome.

One way to know you're talking to a Goofus ...

Goofus typically have a confident and complete story/narrative in their minds, about the inner experience of some other outside group. An experience they cannot know.

Like Harrison Butker betting on knowing what women really want for their lives.

In his mind, a woman with passions outside of "homemaker" has been tricked, confused. Simple as that. But Harrison, what if she's a complex and ever-evolving human ... just like you? What if women's passions and dreams range as widely as men's? Are you even capable of this level of awareness? This kind of love?

How similar is that to the quack Dr. Samuel Cartwright - and the men of his day - who invented and normalized the word "Drapetomania" to mock and stigmatize the African enslaved who chose freedom?

The form and manifestations are unique, but both reflect a lack of root awareness. An inability to listen, to empathize, to incorporate wider Truths than his own narrow perspective/ identity.

Goofus often struggle with letting things remain unknown. To accept.

Uncertainty makes them weird and nervous and emotional.

People with Goofus Syndrome operate best with clear direction, from what they see as an authority figure. High contrast, clear categorization, labels and hierarchy. Goofism can go undiagnosed for years. A Goofus can often move through life quite confidently, and "successfully", all while missing out on complex reality. Trapped with the map in their heads. We are identifying a severely under-diagnosed mental limitation.

Look for the Warning Signs.

You can spot someone with Goofus Syndrome by how they often fail to ask good questions - they only always have answers.

If you spot these warning signs ... feel free to laugh. Life is funny. If you care about the person, you can offer new perspective. If that doesn't work, try putting some distance between you and the Goofus.

-Billy