Groupthink – Definition: a psychological phenomenon that can occur in groups of people. Rather than critically evaluating information, the group members begin to form quick opinions that match the group consensus. Groupthink seems to occur most often when a respected or persuasive leader is present, inspiring members to agree with his or her opinion. Groupthink is sometimes positive but is more often seen in a negative light, particularly in the United States and other countries that value individual opinion. Mass hysteria can be seen as an extreme example of groupthink.

I ran into a teacher the other day and the conversation slipped into what she does for a living. She told me she teaches the 1st grade. I asked her how it was to teach little kids and if it was anything like when I was in the 1st grade. That’s when she told me how they teach class. Apparently, it is different now. These days, whenever the teacher asks a question, the class answers together by showing a thumbs-up or thumbs-down. They do this, so that no child will feel stupid if they’re called on by the teacher and gives the wrong answer. So, when a question is asked, every kid looks at the smart kid in class and just follows what they do. Kind of cool, right?… or is it really fucked up? What are we really teaching our kids? Simple… they’re teaching the kids to follow.

They’re supposed to teach kids how to think for themselves… that’s a very important part of growing up. If the past generations grew up like being taught like that, there would be no Martin Luther King. There would be no Abraham Lincoln, JFK, Thomas Jefferson, Albert Einstein… even Barack Obama. These great men were taught to think for themselves and I hope our kids get that chance to. This “groupthink” way of teaching will destroy our kids… but don’t take my word for it… look into it for yourself, homie. Don’t just go with what I say… or what anyone says!

BOODA