Okay I’m going to make a series of threads about learning/unlearning about social issues. (My tips/perspective) This first one is about critical thinking!

I will be saying “reading” but I mean any type of learning or consuming of information that works for you. (Watching/listening etc) Every method is valid and whatever works for you is awesome!

Anyone can develop critical thinking skills, at any ability or any age! Most schools do not encourage too much critical thinking, rather they just want you to accept what you’re told.

Critical thinking is vital to forming your own opinions. In the past I was definitely someone who would just parrot other peoples ideas without my own analysis.

Here is a graphic with a bunch of questions to consider when you’re learning something new!

You don’t have to have an answer for each question but keeping some in mind each time you read will help! You can (and should!) question everything, books, articles, news broadcast, and social media posts.

Especially if you’re learning on social media questions like “what is the historical context” “does this happen in the real world” “what are this persons sources” are super important!

It is really important to listen to marginalized voices. However not everyone with a marginalized identity is going to have a good opinion. For example yes you should listen to trans people, but that doesn’t mean Kalv¡n Garr@h is right about his views on gender.

That’s where critical thinking comes in handy. Listen to others and then ask yourself some of these questions. Then try to do your own research to answer those questions! You’ll start forming your own opinion.

Make sure your learning from a variety of sources, including ones you vehemently disagree with. When you read something you know is wrong, try to formulate a response. This is helpful for when you start sharing what you’ve learned with others!

Keep investigating issues you feel comfortable with, you never know what you don’t know! See how different perspectives complement or contradict each other! What can be added to your worldview and what needs to be corrected? And always, “who benefits from me believing this”

I hope at least one person found this thread helpful!!! I’m not sure it’s the most articulate or organized but idk I hope it’s helpful