Critical Thinking: Can A Weak Sense Of Self Cause Someone To Be Drawn To A Political Movement?

Critical Thinking: Can A Weak Sense Of Self Cause Someone To Be Drawn To A Political Movement?

By Oliver JR Cooper

If someone is at university, or has been to one in the past, they could be part of some kind of movement. When it comes to someone who is still studying, they may be part of at least one society.

A Big Interest

This could be something that is a big part of their life, which could mean that it will have an effect on just about everything they do. Yet, even if someone is not studying at this point in time, it might not be any different.

For example, one might describe themselves as "feminist" or they may say that they are against capitalism. Ultimately, there are all kinds of causes out there, and one may even be part of more than one.

A Wider Demographic

It wouldn't be accurate, though, to say that someone needs to be a student or to have been one in the past in order for them to get behind something. Still, perhaps the reason why someone like this is more likely to be part of a movement is due to the kind of information they are exposed to in this type of environment.

If one is at university, for instance, part of their course may involve learning about history, or what has happened to a certain group of people in the past. But if this isn't part of their course, there may be other times when they learn about this kind of stuff.

Critical Thinking

When they are being taught about something like this, their lecturer might not act as though they know everything or that everything they say is the truth. As a result of this, they may be encouraged to question what they are told.

What this will then do is allow someone to develop their ability to think for themselves or for them to sharpen their ability to think for themselves. This could be seen as one of the reasons why someone would go to university in the first place.

An Individual

If they were to simply sit in front of a lecturer and accept everything they were told, they may as well get rid of their own brain. One would be acting as though they are an extension of the lecturer.

Instead of coming to their own conclusions, their views would have been given to them by someone else. This is going to stop them from being able to expand their mind, and what makes this even worse is that they will probably be paying for this.

One Direction

In an ideal world, this would be something that wouldn't happen in an academic institution. However, while this is the ideal, it doesn't mean that this is what always takes place.

The lecturer is then going to act as though they have all the answers and there is going to be no reason for one to use their brain. One could question what is going on or they might just go along with this.

An Ulterior Motive

It would then be clear that one is in classroom and that there is someone in front of them to teach them, but that would be about as far as it will go. After taking a closer look, it might be more accurate to say that this lecturer is only interested in indoctrinating them.

For one reason or another, this person will believe that their views are the right views, and this is why they don't need to encourage any kind of critical analysis of the subject matter. In reality, this person is likely to have a superiority complex and to be somewhat deluded.

Two Outcomes

If one is at university and this is what generally takes place, they can either surrender their own sovereignty or they can question what they are told. When it comes to the former, one could end up being part of a movement for the wrong reason.

The reason for this is what they won't have taken the time to find out what this movement is all about and if what they are told by this movement actually matches up with reality. On the other hand, when it relates to the latter, there is a greater chance of one being part of a movement for the right reason.

A Number of Factors

If someone has just left school or college, for instance, it can be a lot easier for them to be deceived. Firstly, their brain is still going be developing, secondly, they are not likely to have had a lot of real world experience and, thirdly, they might not have a strong sense of themselves.

With this in mind, in doesn't take much effort to realise how intellectually vulnerable someone can be at this age. Taking this into account, if the powers that be wanted to control people, it would be in their best interest to make sure that just about everyone can go to university when they finish school or college - this time in their life would then be a continuation of what happened to them whilst they were at school.

A Deeper Look

At the same time, someone could be a lot older than this and still lack a strong sense of themselves. And when someone doesn't have a strong sense of self, it is going to make it hard for them to feel empowered and to live a fulfilling life.

They are likely to be emotionally unstable, which can cause them to feel vulnerable and exposed. Also, one can then have a strong need for approval; they can feel powerless and worthless; and they can feel empty and as though they don't belong.

A Natural Attraction

When someone experiences life in this way, they are naturally going to want to feel different and, if they can join a movement that will allow this to take place, why wouldn't they? The trouble is that if one is feeling very needy and emotional, the last thing they are likely to be able to do is to think critically.

Subsequently, they can end up joining a movement due to how it makes them feel, as opposed to what this group actually stands for. One could then be asked why they support a certain movement, but they probably won't be able to give them a valid reason.

Conclusion

What this demonstrates is how much of an effect someone's emotions can have on their behaviour. And if someone is in a bad way emotionally, it is going to be a challenge for them to behave in a rational manner.

On the surface, it can seem as though someone like this a moral human being who stands for something important, but this is going to be nothing more than an illusion. If someone can relate to this, and they want to change their life, it might be a good idea for them to work with a therapist or a healer.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

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Article Source: Critical Thinking: Can A Weak Sense Of Self Cause Someone To Be Drawn To A Political Movement?