Critical thinking has never been more necessary than at this moment in history.
The way we, as human beings, have regressed as a society concerns me—a lot.
We have basically limited ourselves to staying in political sects, believing that we are actually thinking just because we hold a different stance from others.
Critical thinking goes way beyond that, and I believe very few have understood it.
It is alarming to see the caveman-like behavior of many activists and political operators active on the right. As for the left, there is no need to state the obvious. They operate as a group and simply question nothing, which makes that irrational behavior of their normal. However, many thought things were different on the right, and unfortunately, no, they are not.
People are dehumanized under the guise of explaining events or trends, the unjustifiable is justified simply because a certain person said or did it, and in packs, they act with the same vehemence and irrationality as the left.
Although I am and always will be a conservative, right-wing woman, I distance myself as much as possible from dehumanizing and irrational positions—positions that have been gradually shaping society’s behavior into something unacceptable, something I never want to resemble.
We all forget, both left and right, that it is through our taxes that politicians and their lobbies exist and make a living. They are not idols or stars, and that is something many choose not to remember. No idolatry toward anyone… no one.
I am old school: the kind of person who likes to achieve things through effort and merit, not because of a powerful last name, nor because I hit it off with some politician.
I am where I am because I work and study for it day in and day out, relentlessly. I know no other way to succeed.
If we want a better society, one with excellence as one of its foundations, we must start being more consistent and promoting critical thinking and meritocracy. That is how we once managed to build the society we are letting slip away today.
Here’s to a society of thinking citizens, not minions fanatical about politicians.
About the author:
Jennifer Barreto-Leyva is a multi-faceted professional and a powerhouse in the Hispanic community.
She is an attorney, journalist, and author. Pro-life activist. Former Fox News correspondent. Is part of the editorial national board of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly. TV and radio host. Former Venezuelan ambassador at the Britts Global organization in the United Nations. Politics analyst. Opinion columnist, President of The Ladies Coalition. Director for LATAM of Latinas 4 life.
Named for Parade Magazine, 8 years in a row, as one of the 50 most influential and powerful Latinas worldwide.