Response to Drew Warner: Think Inside the Box

Drew asked, Are we afraid of exiting the box because of our fear of changing social structures?

I think he brings up an excellent point. So much of what humans do on a day-to-day basis is done simply because people have told us all our lives that is the way things are supposed to be. All through history, people’s actions have been dictated by what society deems acceptable. You can see this especially well when looking at gender issues or issues of sexual orientation. It is also evident when one examines anything from trends in clothing throughout the ages to the trends is what works are chosen for an art museum. I often worry that humans are becoming incapable of thinking for themselves—can only follow patterns and orders.

Sometimes what the world needs is a change in the social structure. Think of all the things that would never have happened if someone didn’t stop and think to themselves, “You know what? This isn’t okay with me and I’m not going to let it happen.” Slavery would never have been abolished. Women wouldn’t have the right to vote. Arranged marriages would still be taking place. So many artists would be unappreciated or even oppressed.

We cannot stop the world from changing. It’s going to happen whether we like it or not. So we might as well contribute and do something to help it change for the better. :)

Question: What is one thing you were never taught in school that you wish had been a part of the curriculum?