I would have to say that assumptions are my major shortcoming when it comes to critical thinking. I always dig for additional information about a subject, but the problem is that the information usually supports my views or assumptions. I like to call assumptions my truisms; these are things that I hold to be true and that would take a hand shake with divinity to change them. I am aware of this though and am consciously analyzing why I am unable to be swayed from my initial impulses and emotional ties to a subject.
It is a strange time for humanity, more information is readily available then any other time in history; subjects are fully covered by all points of view and the supporting arguments are increasingly more convincing. Message points can be skewed to entice the audience and when they are seen as a credible source such as NEWS organizations, the masses who are not willing to pose questions fall in line behind completely spurious information. Politics in America and around the world!
I feel that I have become more aware of implicit information and look for motive in every message. I like to think that I evaluate information with a little less bias, especially when I haven't been influenced by a side, and I diligently compare and contrast to find the merit and pitfalls within a message. I trip myself up on the application process and question which way I am supposed to lean, which makes it hard for me to effectively make decisions and take action. I am a work in progress and I know that within my occupation I would do exceptionally well for myself and my organization if I could disseminate truths and stop looking for the low hanging fruit; but I guess that could be said about anyone in an position.
