Critical Thinking

 Responsibility to yourself means refusing to let others do your thinking, talking, and naming for you; it means learning to respect and use your own brains and instincts; hence, grappling with hard work.

– Adrienne Rich

At the age of eleven, my parents made the decision for our family to begin attending church regularly. At that time, my understanding of church was limited, and my primary concern revolved around the prospect of wearing a dress, as I had always identified more as a tomboy. Prior to this, I lacked significant critical thinking skills, but as we became frequent attendees at church, I gradually began to adopt its perspectives. During my teenage years, I remained largely unaware of political matters, focusing instead on more immediate concerns such as my current boyfriend and the latest albums I wished to acquire. As I matured, I began to observe the church's engagement with political issues, particularly during the elections involving Gore and Bush. The congregation overwhelmingly supported Bush, viewing him as the most Christian candidate, while I witnessed them disparage Democrats, labeling them as malevolent. I perceived that Gore exhibited greater empathy and a broader vision than Bush. This realization prompted me to question the alignment of my church's values with the love and compassion they professed in their sermons.

Now nearing the age of 39, it was not until I turned 25 that I began to critically evaluate my beliefs. I started to question the narratives I had accepted regarding God and politics, recognizing that I had largely conformed to the views of those around me. I was determined not to emulate my parents, who held starkly contrasting beliefs. Despite attending a church located in a disadvantaged neighborhood that aimed to feed the hungry and assist those who differed from us, my parents exhibited overtly racist attitudes. I was resolute in my belief that all individuals are equal, regardless of skin color or upbringing. My parents' worldview was rigidly black and white, a perspective I find reflective of the Republican Party as a whole. This individual was raised in a particular environment or possesses a specific racial background, which may lead to certain behaviors or beliefs. However, I recognized, even in my youth, that such attitudes were misguided. I attended a predominantly white school where many peers conformed to prejudiced and discriminatory views. At times, I was unaware that some of my own remarks could be interpreted as racist. One may not identify as a racist, yet if one engages in telling racist jokes, harbors fear towards those of different ethnicities, or believes in their superiority solely based on being white, such attitudes reflect racism. The same principles apply to biases related to sexual orientation.

The absence of critical thinking skills represents a significant underlying issue within our society. Individuals often accept the beliefs of their parents or peers without question, operating under the assumption that these figures are making sound judgments. Many young people adhere to the same religious or political ideologies as their families, perpetuating a cycle of unexamined beliefs. In my experience working with youth, I have observed that many express political opinions that are merely echoes of their parents' views. Furthermore, I encounter individuals who claim to be disengaged from political matters yet support candidates whose positions fundamentally contradict their own values. My intention is not to assert that one political party is superior to another; rather, I advocate for the importance of being well-informed. It is concerning how readily people can make derogatory remarks or unfounded assumptions about sensitive issues, only to react defensively when confronted with accusations of racism or bigotry.

Politics, in their essence, often appear to be flawed. The majority of politicians seem to prioritize their own agendas over the needs of the populace. Personally, I find it necessary to sift through the overwhelming amount of information and determine which candidate aligns most closely with my values. No candidate has ever fully represented all of my beliefs; therefore, I focus on the fundamental issues and make my decisions accordingly. This process requires the application of critical thinking skills.

Conversely, I am aware of individuals who are captivated by podcasts, TikTok, and YouTube, believing they are uncovering unfiltered solutions to our societal challenges. Ultimately, however, they are still absorbing someone else's perspective. While these platforms may allow for free expression, it does not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented. It remains essential to employ critical thinking to identify the core issues. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the financial backing of these platforms, as some ostensibly “left-leaning” podcasts may receive funding from right-wing sources.

It is essential to conduct your own research and not simply accept information at face value. Questioning the information presented to you is a valuable practice that allows you to form your own conclusions. Consider the reasons behind your beliefs: can you support them with evidence? Reflect on your agreements and disagreements—what significance do they hold? Contemplate potential solutions to the issues at hand. Engaging in critical thinking fosters personal growth and broadens your perspective. This process of self-exploration is vital at any age, whether you are 16 or 66, as it encourages a deeper understanding of the world around you.