Every other message you hear contradicts the previous one. You find that the things your parents told you were true . . . often aren’t. It is up to us to question our world and determine the truth. It is the only way to stop mass media from controlling us . . . the masses.
Steps
1. Mass media.
We are all aware that mass media attempts to control the way we think, the way we act and more. It was only after a massive outcry did the news start to include more positive stories instead of the negative ones that seemed to fill our televisions nightly. Being aware is only the first step to find the truth. Watch the news on multiple channels and via different media. Note what the stories are. Are the “experts”presented really experts or are they just loud people with their own agendas?What contradictions are evident?
2. Fake news.
This is a huge issue in the United States. Places like Canada have laws that stop this practice. Here, the fight for “freedom of speech” was twisted into the “freedom to lie.” Looking at the news outlets you explored, is one more truthful than another? Were the “news”and “truths” provided to you true or just opinions? Search to find out more about fake news and how to identify if.
3. Internet.
Anyone can make a statement on the Internet. Whether it is true or not is something you need to look at skeptically. After all, how many times have you seen a post forwarded that has already been disproven yet people still send it on without even questioning it?
4. Advertising.
Advertising is designed to convince you to buy whatever it is they’re selling. It might be a product or an idea.For example, after people realized how much trash was generated when soda companies changed from glass, recyclable bottles, the companies producing the garbage started running campaigns pointing at the end user as the one polluting the planet, not the company generating the items to save money on the product.Today, water bottles and drinking straws are a huge problem for our environment. The companies that produce these do not take credit for the mess they make, but they keep producing them. Look at advertising and question who are the real culprits and what really needs to be done to protect ourselves and our environment.
5. Politics.
We could go for days on this one.Mudslinging, especially the closer to an actual election, has become an art.Without a lot of research, how will you know what is the truth and what is the lie? One way is to look at the previous actions of politicians. What causes have they voted for (and against). Which companies or organizations fund their campaigns? These are great ways to pinpoint the truth behind a candidate. Start researching now for the next election.
6. Conspiracy.
Conspiracy theories for everything from whether astronauts actually landed on the moon to the Illuminati pervade our culture. Even when a conspiracy theory is proven true, such as multiple shooters in Kennedy’s assassination, most of the evidence is hushed, hidden or even misdirected. The masses rarely see the truth and, if they do, they ignore it because it’s “just a conspiracy theory.” Look at a few of these theories and the arguments behind them. Which make sense? What do you believe?
7. History.
Compare history books from different points in time. You’ll find that often the history presented as truth is actually the “truth of today”, supporting the ideals and policies of what is happening now. A great example is the push happening today to claim the Holocaust didn’t really exist. As survivors pass away, there are less people to prove it happened. What will happen when no one is left?
8. Bible.
Since most of us cannot read the actual manuscript all versions of the bible are based on, we are forced to either believe what a version tells us or not. This extends to the beliefs offered by differing views within a single religion like Christianity. Explore different versions of this or other religious books to see the differences in denominations. Can you find a single truth?
9. Parents.
I always hated “because I told you so”as a part of an argument. Children take what their parents tell them as truth without questioning because as adults, they are seen as the authority figures.Yet, often these are “truths” handed down generation after generation and may not be true any longer . . . or even not true in the first place. Ask a pregnant woman how many people give her “friendly advice” as to what she should do with her child. If you want to see contradiction in action, this is it!
Look at those things you believe. Do you have emotional attachment to those things? If so, it will make it harder for you to question. Start a list and find out if what you’ve been told . . .if what you believe is actually true.
10. Friends.
Friends try to help us. And, yes,sometimes it is true. Sometimes it’s not and they have a reason why. Perhaps they don’t want you dating someone because they heard the person is abusive. Is he or she? Or is it a rumor someone started to protect themselves from teasing and ridicule? Look at people who had been in prison but suddenly their conviction is overturned. This is extreme when discussing what friends say to you. Most people have their own agendas and you need to be aware of that. As you talk to your friends, be aware of what they are saying and the context. If you are unsure, leave yourself a note to research later.
11. You.
What beliefs do you hold to today? Are they beliefs that move you forward or hold you back? Write down what you believe and then do some research and ask yourself the hard questions. Is this the truth? If not, what do I need to do to change my mindset?
- Money / finance
- Work
- Self-learning
- Self-care
- Religion / spirituality
- Parenting
- Visualization
- Meditation
- Creativity
- Exercise / diet
- Culture
12. Diligence.
With so much out there that isn’t true, how can you prove it one way or another? After all, even two people seeing the same accident will report it slightly differently? Start by actually thinking about what you’re questioning. Does it make sense? If so, continue with a few of the following questions:
- Can the claim be supported?
- Is there evidence that proves / disproves it?
- Could the evidence be faked?
- Who benefits from the claim?
- Are there regulations or laws that must be followed by the industry / group /individual?
- Are sources included with the claim?
- Are the sources reliable?
- Does it make sense to me?
Remember, what is true for you might not be true for someone else. This is part of the freedom we all enjoy. Just don’t swallow down what people tell you. Question everything and you’re more likely to find the truth.
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