Good morning. Here’s a pondering for you. Feel free to chime in.
As I watch news stories and roll thru Facebook reading things said and shared by so many, it occurs to me that too many people in society, over time, have lost their ability to think for themselves. They rely on the gov’t or Hollywood to tell them what to think or do. They believe that if it’s on TV or they see it on the internet then it MUST be true. Beliefs and values are being determined by sound bytes now. And, many people seem to be afraid to voice their personal reasons why they are sharing and saying certain things. It seems to me that many do it ‘just because it seems that everyone else is doing it. It’s POPULAR.’ Is that reason enough to hop on a bandwagon? Could the reasons be as simple as fear and laziness? Riots begin this way. Why do we think that good and smart can’t also begin this way?
Are you satisfied with your ‘status quo’? No? Then do something about it. Get involved. Learn everything you can. Voice your opinion. The first step, to me, is acceptance – acceptance that we will have differences of opinions. Be open to dialog with others. Hear the other side. Avoid name-calling and anger. Work out a solution.
Not many seem to know how to research for themselves anymore. With all the information out there, how much research is enough? Is it ever enough? Is the task of researching so overwhelming that people toss their hands in the air and surrender? On some things, yes, I’m sure – I’m guilty of this on occasion. But NOT for all things. How can we correct this? What should we do to encourage more independent thoughts and actions from our society as a whole?
Individually and globally, we should be working toward the greater good for all while not hanging our heads and accepting that this is the way it is. If it’s not good, change it. Sure, the change begins within ourselves – for everyone. But in reality, not everyone will do the personal growth necessary to change themselves or their environment and community. That leaves more work for the rest of us, on the whole. We have to make up for those unwilling to see that they need to change, too. Are you willing to get involved – at least working on yourself and possibly within your own community?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Gandhi
PEACE
Pam Drake/pamtastic
