Originally Posted by
look.to.the.sky
While I see where you come from, you hyperbolize the situation, and I feel like that diminishes the value of what people are striving for rather than wanting to find a common good. You're right, some dumb stereotyping on silly one instance only situations happen. Okay, now that we're past that, how can assure people know how to VI without knowing the functions? I feel like people wanting to VI from the beginning are learning this... caricature of Socionics, like they are learning the mask and not the brains behind it. What I find unsatisfying is that, so far, the majority of people explaining VI only teach or back up their assertions with OTHER pictures or by insulting other peoples' perception. Basically, where is that one ultimate picture that all other pictures can be compared to? There isn't any, you have to know the functions, experience them offline through correct typings, and then come back and practice VI. You can't jump straight to VI.
When I first came back, seeing people hollering over pictures really turned me off to the idea. I was a lot more comfortable with videos because at least you got how they spoke, moved, etc, and you can actually see functions being used live. But with a photo, there's this one static instance that may or may not match any other instance in this person's life! These were my first thoughts on VI when coming back, because when I was here before, VI didn't seem that popular, or I just didn't take it seriously. For me, I want more teaching and explaining that doesn't rely on insulting others, nor relies on other pictures to back yourself up. It's very frustrating when you can't see what someone is talking about because there doesn't seem to be solid evidence, but the other person is scoffing at you "how can you not see this, it's SO obvious!" I think there could be a joined effort in making VI a lot more approachable rather than looking like a pissing contest.