filed in Daily Life, Myths and stereotypes
Getting Beyond Group Think
From writer Jonah Lehrer, How We Decide –
While waiting in line for my cappuccino this weekend, I was ready to punch myself in the face, as I realized that everyone in line was wearing the exact same uniform: artfully frayed jeans, quirky printed t-shirts, flannel shirts, messy hair, etc. And we were all staring at the same gadget, and probably reading the same damn website. In other words, our pose of idiosyncratic uniqueness was a big charade. Self-loathing alert!
Let’s make a pact to do something at least once a week to get beyond our own echo chambers. I know someone who subscribes to email blasts from politicians she doesn’t agree with, in order to understand what they’re thinking. Jonah Lehrer makes a case for reaching out to people we don’t know, through social networking. Maybe I’ll strike up a conversation with a Tea Party follower, up the street.
Image: This is Where You Are, 2003, by Chris Johanson
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I know what you mean – seems like we are looking for our tribe via the uniform but perhaps apart from the fact that you and those folks share some fashion sense and a love of delicious coffee – what’s in their hearts and minds is still a mystery, no? It has always been folly to judge a book by it’s cover. xx
“Everyone in this room is wearing a uniform, and don’t kid yourself!” – Frank Zappa, from stage during a concert, circa 1969-70.