Lifestyle

Why Searching For Objectivism In A Subjective World Is Damn Near Impossible

by Teddy Nuggets
Stocksy

It is not our fault that we cannot keep up with the objectivity we have when we are brought into this world. From the very first time we open our eyes and take our first breaths, we have already begun to think subjectively.

Of course, it may be meniscal to the subjectivity we develop in years to come, but we are no longer shielded from it. We go through life, learning about different people, places and things, as well as ideas that shape who we are as people.

Our relationships, interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes are all created through subjectivity. Without subjectivity, it would be impossible to have any opinion or thought in this world.

From the most surface level perspective, we may think we have the ability to possess objective thought by seeing both sides of an argument. But, by choosing one side of an argument, you are inherently subjective to that side.

The development of subjectivism is not initially our fault. Our parents and other influential people in our lives teach us about their views, likes and dislikes and unconsciously, we adapt them into our own thoughts and perspectives, especially as we grow older.

Surely, we all don’t possess the same interests our parents have. I mean, I’m nearly positive that I won’t see my dad jumping up and down at an Avicii concert anytime soon, but the fact remains that opinions, ideas and thoughts have no potential to be objective.

We identify ourselves through our heritages, country flags, religions, sports teams and other groups that make us feel like we belong to something bigger than ourselves.

It is comforting for us to be part of something on a larger scale because it provides us with the ability to form relationships with those who have things in common with our own selves.

However, by labeling us as different groups, how do we stay impartial to all the other groups that exist in the world we aren't part of? If we don’t identify ourselves with them, isn’t it only natural to think they are lesser or wrong in what they do or stand for?

Take, for example, the “supposed” neutral, unbiased, objective referees in sports games, whose job it is to monitor the fairness of play and give both teams an equal chance to win. Although it seems that referees try to keep the game balanced, how can we be so confident?

The fact remains that referees are human beings, not robots. Like us, they all have relationships with people and places, as well as likes and dislikes that shape their unique personal makeup.

And, unsurprisingly, there have been numerous accounts in college basketball, the NBA and other sports of referees acting partial towards one team over another.

It proves that we all have subjectivity running through our personal unconscious and even if we believe we are dedicating objectivity to our decisions, unconsciously, we are not.

Furthermore, if referees are unable to always provide objective instances of decision-making — which is a crucial component of their employment — how are we able to provide objective thinking without the monetary incentive referees receive?

The fact remains that we may never be able to provide pure objectivity to our worlds. It is nearly impossible for us to fight off our unconscious and allow ourselves to provide objective decisions that are rooted in innocence.

However, if we are able to acknowledge that our modes of decision-making may be correlated to subjectivism, it is possible for us to combat that and reanalyze our thinking methods.

It is not easy and surely, many people don’t care enough to dive so deeply into their psyches. Regardless of whether or not you’re up for the challenge, try to analyze a decision you make in the future and what caused you to make the choice you made.

By being aware that we are subjective creatures by nature, we can help ourselves to give one another an honest perception of the world around us.

It would be a world where minorities are not always criminals, Italians can choose corned beef and hash over linguini and maybe Tom Brady isn’t the greatest quarterback of all time. Even though, he definitely is.

Photo Courtesy: We Heart It