Back in the 1960’s, a man named Joe Pine hosted a rather remarkable TV show that was syndicated from California. The Program was made by Pine’s caustic and confrontational style with his guests. […] The host’s abrasive approach was designed to provoke his guests into arguments , to fluster them into embarrassing admissions, and generally make them look foolish. It was not uncommon for Pine to introduce a visitor and immediately launch into an attack on the individual’s beliefs, talent or appearance. Some people claimed that Pine’s acid personal style was partially caused by a leg amputation that had embittered him to life; others said no that he was just vituperous by nature.
One evening Rock musician Frank Zappa was guest host on his show. This was at a time in the 60’s when very very long hair on men was still unusual and controversial. As soon as Zappa had sat down, the following exchange occurred;
PINE: “I guess your long hair makes you a girl”
ZAPPA: “I guess your wooden leg makes you a table”
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“INFUENCE: The Psychology of Persuasian” Robert B. Cialdini, Ph.D. epilogue pages 273-274
Cialdini makes a point of how we very often use one piece of information to make a decision about someone or something…
