Barriers to Critical Thinking

Barrier 1: Self Concept

Explain from a general perspective why this is barrier.

This is the way that we think about ourselves. This can be influenced by many different things, mainly the things we have insecurities about. These issues are not necessarily right but it’s how we as an individual feel about ourselves.

How has this barrier negatively impacted your critical thinking?

This barrier is hard for me, because I catch myself making decisions while I’m mad about something else but I always take it out on the wrong person. I always tend to be bias when it comes to something that hits home for me or something I can really relate too. This has also been a barrier for me because of the way that I grew up; I always grew up in the shadow of my brother. I was never my own person I was always Will’s sister. My brother committed murder at the age of 15 so I instantly became the outcast and the one no one could play with. I have tried over the years to find out who Amber really is.

How will you overcome this barrier to become a better critical thinker?

I have yet to completely overcome this barrier but for the most part it is coming to a halt. I will learn to not make decisions while I am mad. I will also learn too not be bias toward things that remind me of my brother or my weight. I know as a critical thinker you have to consider all sides of things and not just your thoughts. I have started doing drag because it’s a way for me to be me and not be judged. It’s a release for me and I think it has helped me see that there are all different types of people in the world and it has given me a better outlook on the gay community and the problems that they face.

Barrier 2: Emotional

Explain from a general perspective why this is barrier.

This barrier is exactly as it reads, emotional. This is consisted of all of our emotions, such as; anger, passion, and depression. These can affect our way of thinking drastically in a good way or a bad way. We all go through them as human beings but it’s how we let them affect us is what becomes the problem.

How has this barrier negatively impacted your critical thinking?

This barrier has impacted me a lot for I am one to wear my heart on my sleeve. I tend to let my emotions sometimes alter my critical thinking by making rational decisions. I’m a very easily emotional person especially if it is a decision that I have to make about my children. My husband and I fight a lot so when I get mad I say things I shouldn’t and I make decisions about our child alone and he doesn’t like that.

How will you overcome this barrier to become a better critical thinker?

I have had to learn to calm down and think about the whole situation before coming to any decision. I’ve had to go and ask a friend for their advice about the situation because it’s an outsides person’s view rather than my own. I try relaxation techniques to help me stay calm but also tend to try to really pick my battles.