The importance of critical thinking - How Wokeism made my day

 By Alex The Builder Philosopher

In our town, we have a place called the Ecocenter—a community initiative to encourage proper disposal of debris and keep our streets clean. The idea is noble: fewer couches abandoned on country roads or garbage left at dead ends. However, the strict protocols and occasional overzealous staff make the process an exercise in frustration. It’s no wonder people still sneak their junk into the woods.

Today, I decided to brave the Ecocenter with my girlfriend’s permit since I’m technically a non-resident. Usually, this isn’t an issue, but sometimes it depends on the mood of the municipal gatekeepers.

When I pulled up to the gate, I was greeted by a polite young woman, accompanied by her equally young male coworker. Feeling optimistic, I smiled and handed over the permit.

Her: “Is this you? I need to confirm your identity since we can’t allow you to borrow someone else’s permit.”

To myself: Damn. What a stupid question. But not wanting to argue with an 18-year-old on a power trip, I replied jokingly:“Yes! It’s me. I changed sex.”

Now, for context, I’m a 6-foot, 220-pound guy with broad shoulders, a five-day beard, and camo pants. Hardly a convincing impersonation of my 5’6”, 105-pound girlfriend.

Her reaction? She panicked. Eyes wide, she stammered, “Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m SO sorry,” at least ten times. Her coworker stared at me, clearly unsure if this was true, but didn’t dare question it.

Not only did they let me in, but for once, no one hassled me about what I was allowed to throw in the bins. It was the smoothest trip to the Ecocenter ever.

Later, I thought: What if I used this approach every time I dealt with government officials? Throw on a wig, D-Cup and some lipstick—instant freedom from parasitic bureaucratic headaches!

Of course, this is all fun talk, but it raises a serious question: how did we get to a point where someone would believe, without hesitation, that I could have transformed from my girlfriend into… well, me?

The Real Question: Where Does This Come From?

My children go to the same schools as these young workers. They’re growing up in an environment saturated with social media, clickbait journalism, government propaganda, and ideologically-driven narratives. Critical thinking has never been more important, yet it’s rarely taught.

Here’s the problem: when people accept information uncritically, they’re more likely to be manipulated. Whether it’s through fear, guilt, or sensationalism, they become pawns in someone else’s game.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Critical thinking is a skill that can be developed with practice:

9 Steps to Sharpen Your Mind

1. Don’t Take Anything for Granted: Always question the source of information, no matter how trustworthy it seems.

   
   

2. Ask Questions: Why is this being said? What evidence supports it?

   
   

3.   Distinguish Between Emotion and Logic: Ask yourself if your reaction to something is driven by emotion or reason. Strong emotional responses can cloud judgment and prevent clear, logical thinking.

4. Listen to Opposing Views: Engaging with differing opinions can challenge your biases and expand your understanding.

   
   

5. Follow the Money: Who benefits from this narrative? Often, this question reveals hidden motives.

   
   

6.     Be Wary of AI-Driven Echo Chambers: Algorithms often tailor content to what you already believe, creating a bubble where your views are constantly reinforced. Diversify your information sources and actively seek out content that challenges your perspective.

7.     Verify Sources: Always check where your information comes from. Is it a credible source? Does it have an agenda? Cross-referencing with multiple sources can help ensure accuracy.

8.     Beware of Groupthink: Just because a belief or opinion is popular doesn’t make it correct. Think critically about whether the consensus aligns with the facts or if it’s just a social trend.

9.     Practice Intellectual Humility: Be open to the possibility that you might be wrong. A willingness to adapt and learn is a cornerstone of critical thinking.

I personally label everything as “Probably Bullshit” down to my owns ideas. Until proven otherwise, skepticism is always my best friend.

Protecting the Next Generation

As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure our children learn to think for themselves. Pay attention to what they’re being taught and encourage them to question what doesn’t align with your family’s values.

Ask them:

• “Why do you believe this?”

• “What evidence supports it?”

• “Who benefits from you thinking this way?”

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Encourage curiosity, skepticism, and open dialogue.

Final Thoughts

While the incident at the Ecocenter made for a hilarious story, it also highlighted a broader societal issue. Blind acceptance of information—whether from social media, schools, or government—erodes our ability to think critically and independently.

So, how has wokeism made your life better—or more challenging? Let me know in the comments.