Delusion.

Delusion is a word that describes a fallacious internal model. Fallacious internal models are the cause of inequity and other problems in the world such as: racism, class inequality and religiously motivated acts of violence.

What makes an internal model fallacious?

1) Deviation from empirical analyses and evidence. (Reality)

2) Conclusions made before evidence is examined.

3) Subsequent bastardization of evidence and false theorizing to fit fallacious conclusions.

One may have emotional attachment to a false internal model, a good example of this is a belief in god, or gods, or other things that are learned from one's parents or cultural history.

Another is an inherent trust in institutions, be they banking, corporate, or governmental.

The two party system in America clearly does not benefit the majority of people (the working class), yet people continue to vote for established and familiar governmental establishments. 3rd parties are not stressed in the classroom or given media attention, and therefore are marginalized to the point of nonexistence.

It is easy for those currently in power to keep this position due to the weakness and ineffectuality of people in casting off faulty belief systems. Discrimination against freethinkers and rational people is encouraged. Many people will be shocked and angered to find out that their colleague/friend/acquaintance is an atheist/agnostic/naturalist, and in America, it is practically impossible to attain government office without professing a belief in god.

You want a better life for yourself and others? Be a better you, be brave, and go where your mammalian brain leads you, NOT your lizard brain.