In psychology, "cognitive dissonance" is the mental stress -or discomfort - experienced by an individual who holds two or more contradictory beliefs, ideas, or values at the same time, or is confronted by new information that conflicts with existing beliefs, ideas, or values.
In this scenario, the idea or belief that football isn't manipulated by refs and coaches to achieve a desired outcome for profit (be it commercials, Vegas/gambling, playoff seeding, etc) is conflicted by the evidence presented to you; your cognitive dissonance is created when you try to rationalize why Andy Reid is just a good coach who makes bad decisions or some such bullshit.
I'm telling you, factually, that in order to actually be a good coach, one consistently must put their team in positions to win.
Andy Reid does not.
LOGICALLY, this makes Andy Reid a bad coach, by definition.
Now, here we are, still engaging in cognitive dissonance, because you want to believe Andy is a good coach...despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. It causes discomfort for you.
And you don't want believe the NFL is rigged, but that's a paradox in this situation , because if it's NOT rigged, that means Andy Reid IS not a good coach, and that ownership is not only okay with it, they're rolling in dough hand over fist.
Which logically leads us to conclude that Andy, Alex, Chunt, and the entire shitshow are here to stay...lather, rinse, repeat.
And who wants to believe that??
It's very discomforting.
So, a lot of folks use their cognitive dissonance to not deal with the harsh, ugly reality of football in Kansas City.
I think I know EXACTLY what it means, thanks.
You're welcome.