"We are individuals, agents, actors in the world, with some ability to effect change in our circumstances, even if our actions are highly structured or influenced by the world around us" (Warren et al., 2015, p 192).
In March we focused on the intersections of identity in macro-cultures; from studying the media and television perceptions that sell us ideas of our 'reality'. What is interesting though is to shift the focus from outside factors such as culture to inner forces such as our understanding of the self. In reality, most of our identities are indeed created or programmed by our cultures. But what about this programming can we change?
When you think about who you are and what you are about, what things come into mind? Do you ever consider to block out outside forces and really dig deeper into your inner self to truly discover what you are or who you are? It is powerful to understand the ways in which outside factors inform us of ideas of who we may be, but it is even more powerful to resist or question who or what we think we are by confronting those outside 'beliefs'. To question what has been sold to us is to open our minds to possible revelations or growth that wouldn't be discovered otherwise.
I feel it is vital to recognize that we do indeed have power to change the reality that is in front of us by questioning and searching inside of ourselves. As the quote mentions, we indeed have an ability to effect change despite our programming from the outside world. Have you ever considered that to make a change in the outside world requires change in your inner world?
If you come to realize that the outside world is at times a reflection of your inner perception, you may come to realize how powerful your thoughts or beliefs truly are. You can even begin to have power over your thoughts or impulses if you really push a focus to your inner self. Try it out.
Warren, et al. (2015). Communication: A Critical/Cultural Introduction. SAGE Publications, Inc: USA.
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