The educational laws of compulsory education say that critical thinking needs to be worked on. We know that this is built through processes, generated by varied self-learning, adapted to the maturation scale of those who carry it out. During these Christmas periods, part of this construction is called into question. From all sides, we are bombarded with attractive incentives in favor of consumption. So strong that they kidnap us with the help of critical will. The voluntary attention and defensive stance necessary in the face of what they want to sell us barely comes into play. When he does, he eventually gives up because the stimuli are specified in a simple sentence: consume a lot, you will live better.
Sometimes the saying “it’s Christmas, let’s forget the hardships” is added; so much so that consumption cancels out religious feelings. Christmas is compared to a bazaar or to the temple from which Jesus chased the merchants 2000 years ago.. The current stimuli are decorated in colors, with loud music and lots of lights. Mayors compete in the use of light bulbs and in their commercial demands. This relationship between light and happiness becomes a message for our brain; more votes for the next elections. Attention is directed towards the light. So our brain lies to us, betrays us. Sometimes out of naivety, other times out of magic. But in the end, light reigns in our homes and we don’t bother to turn off the lights to consume. Critical thinking is largely absent from all actions.
Light is said to stimulate cognitive thinking. This bright light that travels quickly to the amygdala and promotes mood elevation. But where is critical thinking? Those of us interested in consumption and its relationship to climate change understand that being a “responsible human” is not easy. In consumption, there is not only this or that; We must value the materials used, the energy wasted in production, distribution and mass consumption. We need critical reading because now too much is revealed. It is said that having more guarantees eternal happiness. Soon, the gifts on these dates will lose their affection and be replaced by others, as happened in Pixar’s “Toy Story.”
When attention focuses too much on consumption, the ability to solve problems disappears. Let’s see which politician or which company is now preaching consumerist contingency? Traders, logically, want to sell the more, the better. Consumer organizations give many reasons not to be deceived when making a purchase. On the other hand, they say less about the consumption that regulates our lives for an entire month.
In addition, many people feel the inconsistency of acting according to models that do not convince. Cognitive dissonance makes them uncomfortable: They know what they should do, but they don’t do what they think. They are not guilty. But they must know that the persistence of (false) information can hide from them the illusion of the truth. Moreover, critical thinking can be taught and learned. As much as it’s a process.
In this sense, we take up the question asked by a Spanish media: “Does the race for public spending for massive citizen lighting make sense? Municipalities anticipate the switching on of Christmas lights each year, while beginning to take responsibility for developing a sustainable consumption model. I think that the advisors, and their technical offices, They need comprehensive reform that enlightens them.
If you end up buying something, don’t worry.. Take advantage now and keep your critical thinking for next year. Another Christmas message is circulating which says: by consuming less, we can live better.
To everything that has been said so far, I would like to add a few questions: do these lights want to guide the kings, wherever they come from, towards Gaza?, or towards Bethlehem if we want it to be gentler. An exciting memory – at least a moment of critical reflection – thinking of those who will not be able to see these lights or other lights of solidarity in their cities; we know why.
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