Everyone likes to believe they’re open-minded — until they’re faced with a truth that challenges their comfort zone.
Here are 5 uncomfortable facts that separate real self-awareness from performative “wokeness”:
1. Most people don’t want the truth — they want comfort.
Real honesty makes people squirm. That’s why we avoid it, sugarcoat it, or label it “too harsh.”
2. You can support a cause… and still have bias.
Liking a few posts or attending a protest doesn’t mean you’ve unlearned deep-rooted conditioning. Awareness is ongoing work.
3. Listening doesn’t mean waiting for your turn to speak.
A lot of “dialogue” is really just two egos shouting politely. Open-mindedness means being okay with not having the last word.
4. You’re not as self-made as you think.
Privilege comes in many forms — race, class, timing, geography. If you “made it,” you likely had help, whether you saw it or not.
5. People can disagree with you — and still be good people.
Being open-minded means making space for different truths. Not just the ones that fit your version of right.
If you found yourself resisting any of these… that might be the point.
Growth starts where comfort ends.
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