When we try to lift our spirits by avoiding negative thoughts, we are attempting<u>thought suppression</u>. This strategy often has a <u>rebound</u> effect. When we focus on our negative thoughts, we are engaged in <u>rumination</u>. This strategy prolongs our unhappy mood and undermines better strategies, such as <u>distraction</u>.
*A <em>rebound effect</em> of thought suppression represents an increased return of the unwanted thought.
<em>*Rumination</em> in psychology represents our continuous focus on something that makes us stressed out or unhappy.
<em>*Distraction</em> refers to our behaviors that enable us to get our mind off something that we are anxious about.
American colonists have used the words of Jefferson to defend their right to get independence from Great Britain.
Blacks affected by slavery and who faced discrimination because of their race have often reechoed Jefferson's words in their fight against discrimination. For example, Martin Luther King, Jr in his famous letter written from Birmingham City Jail included Jefferson's statements about "all men are created equal...".
Some right groups have also used Jefferson's words to gain equal treatment in society.
