One of the first things I think young people, especially nowadays, should learn is how to see for yourself and listen for yourself and think for yourself. Then you can come to an intelligent decision for yourself.
If you form the habit of going by what you hear others say about someone or going by what others think about someone, instead of searching that thing out for yourself and seeing for yourself, you will be walking west when you think you’re going east, and you will be walking east when you think you’re going west.
That quote was from Malcolm X, an African American Muslim minister and human rights, activist. He was most popular during the 1960s civil rights movement, which he was a vital advocate for Black empowerment within the Black community.
Malcolm made some excellent points where many of his quotes are used today; yet, I’m always drawn to the think for yourself quote.
External Influence
In the past, I have come in contact with numerous people and built relationships with those influenced by external sources, social media, cable television, their own inner circles, and in a majority of cases, by their friends and family members.
There was no internet in the 1960s, so imagine if Malcolm X or Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King were alive today. What questions would they have for our young people or for the adults raising their kids?
Yet, I’m amazed at adults who are influenced by others. Now, that doesn’t make them bad people, but some well-accomplished individuals will make drastic decisions that could affect their lives and the lives of others.
Let me be clear, I’m not saying I’m the be-all, know-all. However, I know that there is no right answer to nothing in this world.
Every decision has unexpected consequences.
Whether you pick options A, B, or C or plan X, Y, or Z, each will have its ups/downs or difficulty/dangers.
Given the circumstances, I’ve learned to examine and analyze information (especially conflicting information) and make the best decision possible.
For instance, what’s the best decision considering the unexpected consequences down the road? What are the effects of my choices on other people around me and those I love?
In the past, I’ve come across some individuals who, with a doubt, could think for themselves; however, they let others think and influence their decisions. This was most applicable when they felt hurt, violated, or cheated.
It never fails; if you find yourself around a person who has been hurt in the past, stay clear because that person has some stuff they need to deal with. They will bring you down where you could find yourself in heaps of trouble. It will way on them, but they will use a “higher power” to justify their actions.
Today, many people battle with mental health (anxiety, depression, or sadness), and in many cases, these individuals need to get confirmation on their decisions. Because, they’ve been hurt!
There is no decision-making process or thought process; essentially, these individuals are driven by their feelings which drives their decisions. Nevertheless, they will decide without any thought of the long-term effects because their decisions come from external sources, which comes from their emotions.
I would never fault anyone for taking the advice from external sources, social media, cable television, their own inner circles, and in a majority of cases, by their friends and family members.
However, I would ask that they consider the source. I would ask that they understand the systems that are designed to penalize, punish, not rehabilitate. I would ask that they consider the systems designed to medicate, not offer other practical options. I would ask they understand that they consider evaluating options and (maybe) get some assistance on those options from those who are most capable and qualified to assess those options.
If you are most capable of thinking for yourself, this post is not for you. However, I always appreciate constructive feedback.