Excuse my noob question, but isn’t your subtle anti-religion generalizing implication somehow exactly against the pro-rational attitude this website is spreading?
Also, when it comes to utilitarian ethics and rationality or anything, isn’t “discovering the hard way” more fruit-bearing than having to learn in schools?
I have been lead to believe that this identity-related phenomena you describe are traits of agressive narcissism (very hard to use that term without sounding pejorative). It also correlates well with the OP’s writing style.
I just wanted to say that I like very much the way you described the techniques to fight it. If you haven’t already, check this blog out.