Defense mechanisms are a series of strategies that the unconscious mind uses to protect one’s self-esteem. I was fascinated by the psychology behind them and decided to create a popular science campaign to introduce them to more people.
Sour Grape introduces the concept of Defense Mechanisms in the form of a made-up chatbot “service”. “Targeting” people who are not good at comforting others, the chatbot suggests some encouraging (and often humorous) words of advice by using defense mechanisms as ego-boosters. It also
advertises a selection of indulgent gifts that users can purchase to soothe their distressed friends.
The name Sour Grape is inspired by the story Fox and Grapes.Aesop’s fable Fox and the Grapes tells the story of a fox that wishes to eat grapes from a vine but simply cannot reach them. Ultimately, rather than admitting defeat, the fox tells himself that the grapes are, in fact, undesirable, negating his sense of “loss”. The idea of ‘sour grapes’ is a perfect example of Rationalization.