I listened to the podcast, I didn't get a perception of that degree of us vs them that you seem to perceive and at risk of offending you (I very much hope this does not) it may be an emotional sensitivity issue on your part at still perceiving negatives in relation to your aphantasia. Something worth talking more about with people that are a bit more understanding as I would certainly be offended if a close friend responded in the way your friend did to you so I think your sensitivity is justified and worthy of empathy and kindness as a response not that kind of disregard even if they didn't intend it they should be a little mindful of someone's feelings discussing something like this. This is also something that you might want to address with your friend, perhaps just printing your question and this response and letting them read it to see if they take on a more understanding viewpoint.

I listened to the podcast, I didn't get a perception of that degree of us vs them that you seem to perceive and at risk of offending you (I very much hope this does not) it may be an emotional sensitivity issue on your part at still perceiving negatives in relation to your aphantasia. Something worth talking more about with people that are a bit more understanding as I would certainly be offended if a close friend responded in the way your friend did to you so I think your sensitivity is justified and worthy of empathy and kindness as a response not that kind of disregard even if they didn't intend it they should be a little mindful of someone's feelings discussing something like this. This is also something that you might want to address with your friend, perhaps just printing your question and this response and letting them read it to see if they take on a more understanding viewpoint.