Reply To: Political Statements
My definition of self-awareness differs in that I have no clear idea what it means, so I strive not to use the term. I feel, however, as though you could become aware of what contexts and factors went into one’s assumptions without necessarily having to change them. My question, though, is this: How can you tell if a person is self-aware (as you define it) or not, at least externally (without directly talking with him or her)?
If you see that Person A, today, attempts to live his or her life the same way he or she was brought up to, it’s possible he or she has given it thought, perhaps gone as far as to try something different, and come back to the beliefs and values he or she holds now. And if you see that Person B, today, attempts to live his or her life dramatically different from his or her upbringing, it’s possible it’s not a considered, self-aware decision at all, just an act of mindless rebellion. What makes it clear to you whether someone’s truly self-aware or not?
I don’t claim to be particularly self-aware, but I definitely share my values and beliefs with my parents, without any difference that I can think of despite the generation gap. I have at several points decided that other systems of belief and behavior were not for me. You’ve actually met me, and we’ve hung out for quite some time — where would you say I fall?