pschristmas wrote:
I've forgotten what the actual term for this experience is, but it's a recognized sociological phenomenon. Briefly put, members of any social group will discount criticism or observations that come from members of an outside group. However, if a member of the group makes exactly the same observation, sometimes in exactly the same words, other members of the group will not only listen, but often agree or make attempts to reach a compromise. People will, quite simply, listen more readily to people they perceive to be most like themselves.
I remember that from Sociology classes. They will also more readily change their attitudes if the speaker is perceived to be someone with authority or power.
I used to notice that the success of attempts to introduce new technology into a company depended far more on the person doing the introducing than it did on the technology. Related phenomenon, I think.