We’re Not Enemies, Just Being Distracted-Part four of T.E. I.I.T.H

Have you ever heard the saying that knowledge is power? Before I tell you the answer, you tell me what you think: is the statement true?

I’ll give you a quick minute to provide me with your answer in the comments section, then I’ll tell you the definition for knowledge and power. Have you locked in your answer?

Good.

Now I’m going to tell you the definitions of both knowledge and power.

Knowledge is facts, information, and skills acquired by a person through experience or education; the theoretical or practical understanding of a subject.

How do you learn knowledge? Is it by the TV, radio, the internet, by reading, or good old experience? However you get your knowledge, it should be common knowledge, you would think, right? Wrong.

ALL AROUND THE WORLD

Everyone around the world learns differently. They eat different cuisines, and even speak differently.

Let’s take a look at Mississippi. Mississippi does things differently from Washington, right? Or California. California does things differently from Mississippi.

Now, let’s take a look at the United Kingdom or Russia. Name one thing they do differently from America.

Do you know what shouldn’t be different, though?

Humanity.

Am I right or am I wrong?

IS THIS A RACE?

Now, let’s get into the definition of power. Power is the ability to do something or act in a particular way. Especially as a faculty or quality.

You might be asking, but what does power have to do with humanity?

Well, you’ll find out if you stay with me.

With power, the world is unlimited, correct? Whether you now feel content with yourself while glancing in a mirror, or because you found your way to an endless amount of money--that's power. Same with knowledge, and this brings me to the point of this whole blog post.

THREE LETTERS, ONE WORD

We’re consumers in all types of ways: by the grocery stores we shop at, where we get our clothing from to stay on trend, what books we buy and read, going to the movie theater to see the latest popular film, or even if you just stay in to watch a movie on streaming or DVD. Consumerism is everywhere; you can’t escape it. So, what if I told you that people are taking advantage of the fact that you’re consumers?

"How," might be your question. Well, we’re almost to the questions you want to know.

You know those weight loss pills you went into debt from buying? Or how you may be only able to afford one vacation a year, if any? What if I told you this all isn’t your fault. I touched on this idea before in Lights, Cameras, Appropriation, but we’re going to dive deeper.

People tell you, “You have to work a 9 to 5 to survive,” or that to escape the system, “you need to become you’re own boss.” What if I told you both are lies? You see, whatever you do for a living, you are still stuck in the system.

No matter how rich you become, you still have to abide by the laws. Laws that were made in a broken system. Back to consumerism real quickly. These companies know your every move. They understand human behavior: from your insecurities to your grandiose actions.

They know what makes you tick. What makes you break down in tears. What will make you reach for your wallet or purse at 2 AM. Algorithms track your every move. They study you. You know that late night you went online to search for the perfect ring because you thought your significant other was finally going to pop the question after years of waiting? Now, your timeline is filled with images and videos of rings, marriage planning, maybe even information about taking the next step and starting a family.

They know your weaknesses.

They feed off of you. And that’s where our word of the day comes in: rot. They’re not rotting just your body in what you eat—they’re rotting the mind. They want you to trust them. They go on TV with scripts and charm and make you love them.

They want you to comply because it’s easier that way. Now, I’m not saying every personality you see on TV is horrible, but there are some bad ones. The ones that take advantage of your insecurities are the bad ones. And you’re never going to see it if you don’t open your eyes.

This is bigger than fighting over someone’s race, religion, politics, or culture—this is about human nature. This is about people being silenced indefinitely because they saw or knew something the people in power didn’t want them to. This is why community is so important, and I have said everything I said in this blog series.

As your big sister, I have a duty. And that’s to keep you safe. And I know that word safe can feel a little iffy, but I promise you can trust me. As long as these people in power have your trust, they are going to trick you into thinking you’re “safe.”

SO, WHAT DO YOU SAY?

It’s a lot to process—I understand. It took me years to figure this out, and now, I’m sharing this knowledge with you because this is your life. I want you to have control of your life. I don’t want you to feel powerless—I want you to feel powerful.

Living is your birthright, and the longer you comply, the more life they suck out of you. There’s one last thing I want you to know, but first, did you learn anything? Do you feel safe with me as your big sister? Do you disagree? You know what to do: tell me your thoughts in the comments, but keep it respectful.