What Did I Just Agree To?
Everyday we consent to things that we aren’t even aware of. We buy a certain type of clothing produced by a certain manufacturer with perhaps questionable productivity/labor standards. We essentially agree with them by making that purchase. We pay for the privilege of viewing a movie or program produced by an organization who may or may not share our values. Again, our consent signals a form of agreement in the way of support for that organization. A person’s bad behavior toward us goes unchecked, or at a minimum, unaddressed, and as a result, we essentially allow or consent to it. In effect, we agree with it.
In my final attempt at a college degree (there were many, one of which finally culminated in a diploma), I recall standing outside an auditorium with several students after class. The class we had all come from was taught by a very passionate but serious professor. He played no games but truly cared that his students understood the material and went to great lengths to ensure that.
Many of the students found his stoic nature to be off putting and preferred to spend their time in class cracking jokes and mimicking his lack of humor. I was not one of those students. I was on a mission to get a good grade and finally complete my degree. As a result, I found their attitudes to be somewhat childish and counterproductive to my end game. Yet, there I stood among a group of them laughing and smiling about some of the commentary that had been displayed in the previous class. My mind surrendered to the banter and criticism of this professor, who I actually respected.
As I gathered my belongings and began my trek across campus, I remember thinking to myself, “What did I just agree to?” By not speaking up, by participating in the exchange even if only with my physical presence and an occasional smile, I essentially supported what the other students had said. By not disagreeing or offering a countering point, I basically agreed with them. At least, that’s how I felt at the time. It didn’t feel good.
I am reminded of that question each time I find myself aimlessly scrolling through my phone. Though I am bombarded with mostly irrelevant information, I am essentially in agreement that those precious minutes/hours of the day, my day, are equally irrelevant. Half the time, I can’t even recall what I’ve looked at or read. Many times, I’m even embarrassed by whatever it was that captured my attention.
What are we agreeing to when we relinquish So.Much.Time. staring at our screens? Are we agreeing that our minds can’t be idle for more than 10 seconds? Or, are we agreeing to the notion that this investment of our time is all that we’re worthy of? What are you agreeing to? What are your thoughts? If you care to share them in an email, I’d love to read them. elyn@volitionpc.com
