Yet again I have encountered an individual who has deemed himself worthy of putting me in a box, slapping a label on and shipping me off to where he erroneously seems to think I fit. All because I had the audacity to disagree with his narrow minded, bigoted, ignorant views. This isn’t the first time I have encountered this particular form of asshattery, nor will it be the last, but it doesn’t make it any less tedious to deal with. While I can somewhat understand the desire of the individual to belong to a group, I cannot grasp where the blind hatred for those that choose not to join, to affiliate, comes from. Is it jealousy? Fear? Something else entirely? Even though I do not understand what inspires such ire, I do know that it is not a good thing, that it does nothing even remotely positive in the grand scheme of things.
Perhaps it is just me, but it seems society has become far too reliant on the clique mentality and lost sight of the individual. No longer is the uniqueness of the individual a prized commodity, rather it is the object of mockery and scorn. Those of us who think for ourselves and refuse to march in lockstep with the lemmings of the world are treated with disregard, disdain and often outright malevolence. Our choice to remain independent of the collective, avoid the perils of group think, puts a gigantic target on our backs, marking us for attack by any and all who believe that their way is the right way, the only way. Whether it be in life, politics, religion, or society in general, our world is filled with nation upon nation of sheep, bleating their lives away as they blindly follow the shepherd, never stopping to realize they are preparing themselves for their own slaughter.
The multitudes have become whores of the media, letting themselves, their votes, their opinions, be pimped out to the highest bidder. No longer are these individuals formulating their own opinions based on independent research, logical deduction and concrete facts, rather they are being spoonfed their beliefs by some paid demagogue. The hunger with which they swallow this swill is both frightening and distressing. If they only were to put this passion behind a search for truth, no matter what truth that may be, this world would not be in the dire straits in which it currently resides. Were humanity able to shed the cloak of affiliation and stand independently, not only could we change the world, we would thrive while doing so. Unfortunately at this time apathy, trepidation, and a plethora of other irrational idiosyncrasies prevents this.
I will never mindlessly follow, I simply do not have it in me. Perhaps this is why I am so frustrated when I see others acting as lemmings, following each other off the cliff without a backwards glance. I just can’t comprehend what is going through their minds. How they can live with themselves knowing deep down their own personal idiocy and lack of character has played a role in the downfall of society? What frustrates me all the more is the fact that it wasn’t always this way. Independent thought used to be treasured, revered, appreciated. Thinking for oneself was an admirable trait, a sign of strong character. When did it become bastardized into the stain it is seen as today? Why? Why did society allow it? What fundamental change took place which turned otherwise intelligent individuals into mindless drones unable to formulate their own thoughts, own opinions, make decisions for themselves? Why did they turn over complete control of their lives and spirits to some meaningless leader who has no interest in what is best for them, only what is best for himself?
Something needs to be done, playing follow the leader with our future is destroying any hope we have over ever rectifying all the damage which has been done. People need to stand up and hold themselves accountable for their role in the demise of society. While personal responsibility is the first step, by no means it is the only one, for after becoming accountable for oneself it is time to hold those you have allowed to speak for you accountable. Force them to defend their poor choices, their decisions motivated by selfishness and greed. Force them to own their part of the damage they have done. Make them see how their behavior is to blame, make them see that passing the blame off on another does not absolve them of their misdeeds. After doing that , then the real work begins.
There are no easy solutions, no quick fixes. While the damage is not irreparable it is immense and will take time, effort, and cooperation to mend. Now is the time for the independent thinkers among us to step forward, to stand up and offer differing viewpoints, fresh perspectives, innovative ideas. We can no longer let those who find the security and safety of the flock to be preferable, to be the ones controlling our future. The sheep have had their day, they blew their chance. Now it is our turn, and what a turn we shall have…
