In our world today we find ourselves following the norm,
having a certain image on what our life is supposed to be like and the
guidelines we have to follow to achieve that lifestyle. In This is Water, the author makes an argument that many of us are
born with default settings, and unless we start thinking out of the norm we
will never be able to change such called settings. I disagree with this
argument, because I believe that no one is born with things their supposed to
believe in or what they want to do. It’s the influence of others around them
that form you’re personality. For example, when you’re parent angry and his way
of expressing that anger is lashing out and being loud. Well when you get to
become an adult more than likely you will express your anger just the same.
It’s the total influence that parent figures and role models put on people. I
also think the argument should be totally irrelevant, because of the author
completely contradicting his own statement! I can see how in today’s society
that there’s a lot of repetition in our day to day lives, but that’s how the
world goes around. Without our default settings when you think about it more
mindfully, it honestly keeps us from losing our sanity.
I agree with your statement because it is like the term "monkey see, monkey do." We have all grown up in a society where we think that the right thing to do is what everybody else is doing; however, we do have the option to be our own person and act differently. Our so called “default setting” can be altered because once you see how you’re acting is something you can change then you do have the option to do so. If you are unable to comply to change then it is just something you have to live with. We are all entitled to being ourselves, but we choose to act in a way where we just do things based on what society defines as right from wrong.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your standing on this situation. It takes many years and experiences to finally understand what it is yourself would like to believe in or follow. Though I feel the default settings he referred to were not those we see as young ones and are still trying to reach as individuals. I feel like he meant more of the idea that unless we really put effort into it, we don't consciously think of anyone other than ourselves. We are constantly aware of only what we see, feel, and think; too busy to mind those around us. With what you say being true, maybe the things around that influence us are what makes us lose, or unable to actually gain, the consciousness of our empathy towards others.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your argument in the sense that quite often people just follow, they do not intend to lead their lives in another different direction. You mentioned also that we are influenced by others around us, but that is not true. It is ultimately up to us to let that happen or avoid it in any single way. We take in what we want to understand and what we want to consider as well. Individually, each and every one of us go through experiences in which we have to decide whether to be narrow-minded or considerate. Our “default setting” can be adjusted.
ReplyDeleteI agree and disagree with you. I agree that we may not be born with this so called "default setting," and we are influenced by our elders, to an extent. However, in the end we take in whatever influence we want. For example, (hypothetically speaking) if my parent was abusive, I'm sure as hell not going to beat my children when I get older. We all have a selfish trait in us though, it's human nature, which is why I disagree with you. The part about being in line at the store and all you can think about is basically screw everyone else, that trait is in us all, and it's up to us to overcome that selfish human nature.
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