Examining Taken For Granteds: 1 More Time Of Frantic Political Division

Table of Contents

Uncovering Cultural Norms That Shape Our Lives and Create Unexpected Opportunity

Introduction: Examining Taken For Granteds (TFGs)

Examining Taken for granteds (TFGs) asks the overarching question, what do I believe and why do I believe it? TFGs are the unexamined cultural norms that silently guide our behaviors and beliefs. These norms, deeply embedded in our education, adaptation, and participation in social groups, often lack evidence to support their validity. TFGs influence how individuals fit into broader cultural frameworks, providing unspoken rules for belonging and behavior. While TFGs can foster unity, they also obstruct rational exploration, leaving their truth or falsity hidden.

Take the example of national pride at international sporting events. When Team USA competes, chants of “USA! USA!” reverberate through the crowd. This display of patriotism may seem harmless, but it raises critical questions: Does this fervor genuinely reflect loyalty to the nation? Do athletes find it encouraging or distracting? These questions typically remain unexplored because TFGs function as automatic responses rather than rational reflections.

Examining Taken For Granteds: The Role of TFGs in Group Identity

TFGs serve as keys to group membership, often shaping identity and belief without conscious examination. They provide unspoken answers that simplify complex social dynamics. Consider religious beliefs. A deeply faithful individual may never rationally analyze doctrines they follow, as these beliefs tie them to a community. For instance, my graduate school friend John, a mathematician, believed unwaveringly in the tenets of Christianity despite his otherwise logical mindset. His faith was private and unchallenged, demonstrating how TFGs can coexist with rational thought.

Similarly, my experience with Father Jones, a Jesuit professor, highlighted the embedded nature of TFGs in religious practice. His assumption that all students prayed together overlooked individual beliefs, illustrating how TFGs often blur the lines between inclusion and exclusion. These norms persist because questioning them risks alienation from the group.

Examining Taken For Granteds Through Personal Reflection

Examining TFGs often begins with personal experiences that challenge assumptions. During my undergraduate studies, I encountered the myth that Abraham Lincoln wrote the Gettysburg Address on a train to Gettysburg. Writing in graduate school an assigned essay debunking this myth required examining historical context and practical challenges, such as writing legibly on a moving train. This simple exercise revealed how deeply held cultural narratives can unravel under scrutiny.

In a broader sense, TFGs shape our collective identity. The Pledge of Allegiance serves as a prime example. Its phrasing—”one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all“—raises questions about inclusivity and meaning. I drew a line through under God because it was an amateurish political attempt in the 1950s to distinguish the United States from the Godless Soviet Union. The open question, however, is this: Whose God does it reference? Does the pledge reflect an idealized unity that masks deep social divisions? By critically analyzing these words, we uncover the disparity between cultural ideals and lived realities.

Examining Taken For Granteds The Importance of Challenging TFGs

While TFGs provide comfort and cohesion, failing to examine them limits growth and understanding. In an era of divisive politics and rising authoritarianism, questioning these norms becomes essential. For instance, the ideal of “liberty and justice for all” contrasts sharply with ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality. Recognizing this gap requires unpacking the TFGs that perpetuate systemic injustices.

Moreover, challenging TFGs fosters critical thinking and promotes meaningful dialogue. By addressing questions about loyalty, identity, and belief, we create opportunities for personal and societal transformation. Exploring TFGs doesn’t guarantee satisfaction but enriches our understanding of the forces shaping our lives.

Examining Taken For Granteds Conclusion

Examining taken for granteds helps illuminate the cultural norms that influence our actions and beliefs. By critically engaging with these norms—whether through personal reflection, historical analysis, or societal critique—we uncover truths that guide meaningful change. In times of political division, exploring TFGs becomes a vital tool for bridging gaps and fostering unity.

Sources Cited

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). APA Publishing.

Hochschild, A. R. (2016). Strangers in their own land: Anger and mourning on the American right. The New Press.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon & Schuster.

Twain, M. (1996). The autobiography of Mark Twain. Harper Perennial.

Suggestions for Further Reading

Anderson, B. (2006). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. A detailed exploration of national identity and its cultural construction.

Arendt, H. (1973). The origins of totalitarianism. Examines the cultural norms that enable authoritarian regimes.

Geertz, C. (1973). The interpretation of cultures. Offers insights into how cultural symbols shape beliefs and practices.

hooks, b. (2000). All about love: New visions. A critical examination of societal norms surrounding love and community.

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Investigates the cognitive biases that underlie unexamined beliefs.

Lakoff, G. (2004). Don’t think of an elephant! Explains the framing of political and cultural narratives.

Sacks, J. (2015). Not in God’s name: Confronting religious violence. Explores religious TFGs and their impact on global conflicts.

Smith, A. D. (2009). Ethno-symbolism and nationalism: A cultural approach. Provides a framework for understanding nationalistic TFGs.

Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1974). Judgment under uncertainty: Heuristics and biases. A seminal work on decision-making and belief systems.

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