These past few weeks, I have been attending a class in which we discuss climate change. During this class, we have been exposed to data, information and public opinions on the topic. Most of the time, our professor makes us reflect on the correlation between human activities and the increase in temperature. During this time, she calls for us to think about our daily activities. I must admit, it is eye-opening and emotional to reflect on this. For a couple of hours, I sit with these ideas, and in a melancholic way I ask myself, “Are we dooming
the human race? Should I be more conscious of my daily activities?”
When I return to reality, I see myself driving my car to the nearest store to get an ingredient I need for dinner. When I become aware of this, I realize that I got there on auto-pilot: I took my car for a 5-mile trip, I was stuck for almost 15 minutes in 5 p.m. rush-hour traffic, I got here because I wanted one ingredient and I have to do the trip back. What? When did I make these decisions? What overruled my judgment?
This happens to many of us in different aspects of our lives. You can find yourself preaching and sharing your thoughts on topics such as texting and driving,
underage alcohol consumption, submission to peer pressure and more. But, when the situation comes, most of us realize we act almost by instinct. Is this response attached to our societal influences? Is it be-
cause it is inscribed in our DNA to behave in order to fit in? Or is it that we are members of a culture that conforms?
I believe compliance and obedience have, sadly, become embedded in us. Since childhood, we have been taught that confrontation, rebellion, questioning and disagreement with the majority are traits of the “bad guys.” Big corporations that influence media and image such as fashion and television have incorporated this idea of acceptance into most of their projects. All of the movies I grew up watching had a pretty girl who was praised for attracting a man with her beauty.
Nowadays, we see how people have begun questioning the origin and reasoning behind this behavior. I believe this should be celebrated, praised and become the new trend to follow — a trend that challenges ideas and sets new standards. Social principles based in community, equality, love, holistic decisions, avoidance of judgment and respect are some of the ideas that we see beginning to spread and make way into mainstream culture.
Therefore, I highly encourage my peers to aid and feed this new wave and make it a trend among our community. Help eradicate trends that hinder the progression of our humanity. Become part of the emerging ideas that resonate with your own form of compassion. Do not conform and submit if it challenges your integrity.
Andrea Taboada is a UF microbiology senior. Her column appears on Wednesdays.
