The Study Of The Mind: Sense or Nonsense? (Social Commentary)

The “Mind Industry”

As most of you, I was taught that the more we understood, the more we could would progress as a society. Yet, there are times that I have to question that statement.

For forty years, I have watched society's faith in psychologists grow considerably. At the same time, crime rates have escalated, the family unit has lost its central glue, and caring about one another has been replaced by complaining about one another!

I’m not going to blame the “Mind Industry" for all of this, as there are many other factors involved. However, let’s take a look at some of their stand out areas and see if there’s something not quite right with the information we’re receiving.

“We Must Understand The Criminal And Why He Commits The Crime”

King Solomon presented a very simple answer to crime. The “Eye For An Eye” concept was easy for the most feeble mind to understand. He has been praised for his wisdom many times, it goes without saying.

Enter lawyers. Individuals paid to prove their clients are innocent, whether they are or not. There are some in this profession that truly could “care less about the crime if they’re paid on time!” To say otherwise is to lie to oneself.

When lawyers found the facts stacked against them, they had to consider how to continue to earn their money. Since the jury consisted of people, and most people were kind and merciful, why not prey upon this attribute of mercy as an alternative? How better to do this than to bring in an “Expert” to explain why the mind allows, or validates a person to act in a certain manner?

Thus, here come the “Mind Industry” experts! Usually, they would resemble the three piece Oxford Suit individuals one would envision in an Ivy League Institution of higher learning. (Why does the movie, “The Paper Chase” come to mind?)

These “experts” would speak in the language of the highly educated and with such confidence that the normal jury member would feel intimidated. “Truly, such an “expert” must know what he’s talking about. Listen to all those contributing factors! Obviously, it’s not the fault of the criminal. He simply had a terrible childhood!”

Before news networks, the courtroom was the one of the few places you’d find these individuals. However, needing to fill on air time, a new home was soon provided. Any time a major crime occurred, expert upon expert was called upon to build ratings and provide validations.

Have so many validations been given that now all crime is validated? Hopefully, most of us would say “No” to this. Yet, as I've stated before, to an impressionable youth, seeing himself in a similar situation to an accused individual can validate acts he’s considered. Suddenly, instead of it being a battle of right and wrong, it’s “okay” to act because of validations provided.

Scary, is it not?

Family Specialists

I find it extremely difficult to sit and listen to a psychologist in his or her mid 20’s, that has never raised a family, proclaim those that have did it wrong. Here is a person that has no idea as to the geographical setting the children are being raised in, the economic situation of the family and its influence on the child, or the socially acceptable norm of outside influences (teachers, church, etc.), and they know it all because of a few books they used Cliffsnotes to get through in college.

And, how naive are those that listen?

Obviously, very naive! Suddenly, spanking a child is entirely wrong. Spank and go to jail or have your children removed from home by child protection. One should only talk to a child and make a viable impression upon them. If I would've told that to my father half a century ago, he’d have laughed himself silly, and then spanked me for lying.

Permissiveness seems to have created a group that disrespects all others. It blurred the line between right and wrong. Did I touch a nerve? Hope so!

I am totally against ever hitting a child in anger. Parents that grab their children up and whack them while in a grocery store line make me sick. And the reason why is simple. If a parent can’t demonstrate control of their actions, how do they expect their children to demonstrate it? Duh!

My wife and I utilized the “1-2-don’t make me say 3” method of discipline. This was highly effective. This method entails two warnings and then a ritual spanking. Ritual spanking? The ritual was a 20-25 minute lecture about why they were going to get a spanking, then a designated number of hand (no belts, switches, or paddles) whacks to the tail, finalized by another long lecture as to what they could do in the future to not have to go through it again.

It worked for several reasons. One, it gave me a chance to eliminate my anger before ever performing the act. The number of whacks, usually were 3-4, dependent upon the severity of the offense. They weren't aimed to injure, and were controlled for intensity. This was simply a statement that there is a harsh punishment if you refuse to listen to direction. The lectures fully explained the why’s to understand, and the how’s to prevent. To this day, my oldest daughter swears the lectures were the worst part of the entire event.

Many parents I've discussed this with agree that a certain amount of controlled spanking makes the listening more aware for other times. I’m sure many of you will disagree.

We all can see examples of those that were excessively beaten as youngsters. We can also see the affect of not disciplining at all in many. In fact, I was hub hopping and found a hub that showed so many admitting to shoplifting that they had obviously never been taught right from wrong. I was shocked, but could understand. With permissiveness and teenage pregnancies being the social norm, how can children having children teach what they have never been taught?

Isn't that what the “Mind Industry” experts wants us to do….understand?

I’m Okay, You’re….who the hell cares!

Need to be satisfied with who you are? Go back and get a copy of “I’m Okay, You’re Okay.” In a time when we were preaching “love your brother”, this publication taught you that you were fine and so was everyone else. So, if everyone’s okay, why worry about them, right?

In fact, the floodgates opened from that point on in the “Self Help” arena. Emphasis on “Self”, instead of others. “It’s all about me!” “Who cares about them?” “I’m Important!”

Society is now more concerned about the “me” than anything else. Years ago, the “Me’s” were called “busybodies” and were made fun of. Today, Huff Post is filled with them in the comments sections of the articles presented. These individuals want everyone to be like them, and if they’re not, they'll cut them to pieces with their words.

If they don’t smoke, they obnoxiously attack smokers. If they don’t like Miley’s weekend actions, they boldly attack her mercilessly. If they don’t like people owning guns, they cowardly attack them hidden in fake screen names. They don’t care about anyone but themselves. If you don’t believe it go take a look. I’ll wait.

Weren't we taught to overlook the personal actions of others that we didn't agree with? Weren't we taught to ignore gossip, and that those who gossip only do so because they’ve nothing else to do with their miserable lives? Weren't we taught that everyone is an individual, so get over it if you don’t like it? Or, weren't we taught at all?

Oh, we make a good show from time to time allowing an hour or two of compassion when something tragic occurs. Then, it’s back to reality TV and popcorn and leaving rude comments about whatever you don’t like. Self Help has turned our society into selfish Self Absorbed, Self Centered idiots! Time for everyone to dress the same, act the same, and be the mindless robots we’re currently imitating.

What To Do?

The credibility of the “Mind Industry” is about par with any entertainment industry. It will always be coming up with something new, will always be presented by professionals wanting to impress with their credentials, and it will always play to any audience that will watch and listen.

Wouldn't you do something about crime if you could? Well, how about starting with your own family? Keep the family unit together, teach right from wrong, demonstrate there are consequences that are not always agreeable for those who veer from the proper path, and stop validating the acts of criminals.

Start caring about others instead of trying to make them like yourself. They may or may not want to be like you or vice versa. So what? Stop trying to force your habits on them and teach them how to do the same. Admire the differences and learn from them instead of trying to rule them.

Most of all, use the common sense you have stored in the cobwebs of the skull. Stop listening to those that have never been in your shoes and start doing what you know is right.

The Brotherhood Of Man once performed a song called “United We Stand.” The chorus went something like this:

“United we stand, divided we fall,

and if our backs should ever be against the wall,

we’ll be together, together you and I”

Stop chipping away each other and at common sense. It’s time we joined together and enjoyed the different things we all have to offer.

Or, don’t you care?

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This Hub was last updated on February 26, 2013