I was reading Alex Perlman’s blog on creativity and if current schooling systems are killing this used to be valued ability. I was intrigued about this subject because it has been something I thought about before. Hearing stories from my parents and other older generation people I got a sense that people strongly valued creativity over anything else. All the famous inventors and notable historic figures of the past were all creative in their own way. They somehow thought differently than other people. After reading Alex’s blog I could see how school systems could be the problem, but I think it goes even bigger than the school systems.
Following the Herd
I think that the lack of creative thinking results from the society we live in today not necessarily the schools we go to, although I would not suggest that they help at all. I’ve begun to realize that people are afraid to say anything that challenges the thoughts or beliefs of the majority. They are afraid the minute they speak out people will silence them if their ideas or opinions are different. This alone is a cancer to creative thinking. What good is thinking creatively if you never get to share or put to use your creative thoughts.
Try Hards
Another detriment to creativity is the constant casting-down of “try-hards”. Most everyone has witnessed someone else making fun of someone
who was not acting “cool” because he was trying harder than they were at something. In my generation I see it all the time. For example, let’s take a look at talent shows. Talent shows are a great example of a display of someone’s creativity. Talent shows used to be very popular in the past generation, but in today’s world sadly it’s not seen as a very trendy thing to be a part of. A large reason is because if someone goes on stage and gives there all they will be made fun of because they tried to hard or they were just trying to act cool for the crowd.
Moving Forward
This societal thinking is killing creativity and work ethic in kids. People are starting to believe it’s not good to try your hardest and share your talents or creativity. But were would the human race be today if people did not try hard and act on their creative impulses? We would have nothing. No new innovations. No new inventions. No art. No joy. That sounds like a pretty dismal life to me and I hope that society’s views on creativity and hard work change.