-How does it feel to know that there is so much judgment, hatred, and biased opinions in the world? Some of us hate or pass this judgment without really knowing why we do, some because of our parents’ opinions, some because of our friends’ opinions. Those, because of another person, and not truly because we dislike the topic are like sheep in a way. Sheep follow a leader instead of their hearts. Too afraid to speak our minds in this world, too afraid to let our hearts guide us, our minds guide us. The world can be a cruel place; people in general can be cruel. If you saw a homosexual couple walking down the street, hand in hand, how would feel? Would you pass judgment, would you stare at them, or would you just smile and pass them? We have once or twice been in that situation where there are homosexuals, or even heterosexual couples walking hand in hand. Thinking of murderers, ex-convicts, or even people who have been to a local jail once, we pass upon judgment. Speaking about how badly they are, how badly they must have been. People in life are entitled to mistakes; it’s how us as humans learn our surroundings and ourselves better. A human without mistakes is not a human; it is a person who is pretending they are someone else, someone higher than the human race. What are drugs? What do drugs really do for people? Some say that drugs intensify their personality, if this is true, then what if they are the meanest, foulest person? Does the drugs make them more this way? Some say drugs help them, it helps them have a great day, helps them succeed in different areas they would normally not succeed in. Some say that drugs are bad, and should all be banned and discarded. What if a person who was a drug addict did a seminar about drugs, speaking upon both the pros and cons of drugs? Would people discard their synopsis simply because they are former users? What if someone said drugs are neither good nor bad, it’s just how you perceive them? Do you ask yourself questions to get your mind going, to get your mind thinking? Thinking alone, whether about an important topic, or about absolutely nothing is getting your mind working. So, how does it feel? - Kristin Dewerff
I wrote that in college, and wanted to share it with everyone at America's Debate. Please post your replies about it.

We are being constantly told what to think by churches, media, schools, government, etc. to the extent that we have lost the ability to think independently.
That is the crux of it, and it requires a bit more education than most of us get.
Perhaps a good question here would be, how do we encourage independent thinking that excludes prejudice, unfounded perception, and the biased opinions inflicted upon us by our family, friends, teachers, preachers, celebrities, entertainers, etc. ?

I have to agree with Bill on the premise that it is hard to think independetly with the media, government & churches.

Are people too afraid to speak their minds or are there too many people with minds unable to speak?

We have plenty of both (especially in Madison County, a most predictable non-progressive area of the country as you will see). People do not follow leaders who speak their mind but instead follow admen who repeat slogans of the day. It will be a fine day when a majority of the people value ideas over labels.

I would suggest breaking your text up...LONG LARGE TEXT BLOCKS are hard to read (online in particular) and to digest...

all the same I read what you wrote, I'm assuming its freewriting...at least that appears to be the style as opposed to anything written specificially FOR college. I freewrite a lot its a good way to get your thoughts out and arrange them. I read the last statement before the rest and thus was expecting more of an essay. I think Bill poses an interesting and productive question related to what you wrote.



I hear people complain all the time that too many people don't want to THINK nowadays and that they don't think independantly enough but I never hear any propositions on how to change these things... how to make them better.
The issue isn't as simple as it may seem. Turning people on is sometimes difficult. Maybe the world needs more motivational speakers... or perhaps more compelling causes to get people interested in topics no I doubt a lack of causes is the problem. Maybe we could use better teachers, as a good teacher can turn students on to a topic. Or perhaps the problem lies in the fact that you can't force people to learn and you can't force them to think, they have WANT to...I guess the idiom "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" applies here.
It is EASIER for most people to take what they are spoon fed and say I agree, I disagree, I like this, I don't like that and never really develop their OWN opinions on matters.

It used to be openly called propaganda, now it is "Public Relations".

Adding to this after reading Erratic Energy's post.
Ever read anything by Richard Bach? He wrote "Jonathan Livingston Seagull", a short book that got made into movie back in the 70's (I think).
Another book he wrote has at issue something that is relative to thinking.
It is called "Reluctant Messiah" and may be a modern parallel to the life of Christ. His main point was stated, IMO, when the character says, "You can't make people care".
I think that is the first step, making them care.
It will probably take a sustained crisis to accomplish that.