Choice has become loosely associated with freedom. For older generations, this is a relatively new relationship and it takes some getting use to. However for the generations growing up in an age where there are a surplus of choices, the situation can become complex. All too often teenagers (including me) unknowingly abuse their freedom of choice. It’s not their fault. They are growing up in a society where corporations and the media are continually conditioning them. For some teens, brand names are as valued as religion. Coke and Pepsi rivalries become comparable to loyalties for certain sports teams. What some celebrities do on television (and in their personal lives) become the reality of what teenagers do to each other. Through this lens, freedom becomes somewhat devalued. It becomes something that CEOs can take advantage of.
Choice doesn’t only have to fuel economies. To me, our hollow education system is the root of this problem. Choices can service individuals. They can help ensure that our preferences, passions and interests are best accommodated for. For this reason there are those who are devoted to figure out how to fix this hollow system. They understand the potential consequences of a population that isn't unwilling to face the reality of our global situation. Equally as important, they also understand the passions and connections that education (in its broadest sense) can evoke.
Many people already understand this, however there are an equal number of those who don’t. Thus, responsibility falls on those who educate the new generations. From this, the value and outcomes of our choices can stand as a testament to our species. They are no doubt a bridge for our growth.
