When Keeping It Real Goes Wrong:
Learning How to Think Before Taking Actions
Written by: luminoUS, Editor at Large
Many of us have seen the Dave Chappelle “When Keeping it Real Goes Wrong” skits and have doubled over in amusement-filled laughter at the scenarios acted out on the screen. But, sometimes, “keeping it real” isn’t always authentic or the best move to make. Peer pressure is amped up on raging hormones during adolescence and teen years and, more times than not, decisions are made to satisfy the status quo and not for the well being of the parties involved.
The beauty in choices is that you can actually take time out to think things through instead of acting on instinct and whim.
Sure, a lot of things look like fun or like a great idea from a distance, but it only takes a matter of minutes to go over the pros and cons of each and every decision. You are out partying with friends and someone pulls out a bottle of alcohol. You have your parents’ car and a provisional driver’s license. You are being trusted to come home safely with the car and yourself in one piece. You dislike the idea of drinking, but all of your friends are indulging. Do you “keep it real” and eXtend your red party cup for an ounce or two or do you keep it genuine and decline the booze knowing that you value both your safety and your parents’ trust? Being popular and going along with the crowd will not only be seen as fun, but you would be “keeping it real” with your homies by throwing back a shot or two. {Pause} In this situation, “keeping it real” has a lot of cons. You could lose your life or injure another driver. Your parents will never trust you again, but your friends will think you are “the man”. Which is more important? How long does it actually take to think through all of these things and make a concrete decision?
You are in class and should be doing the assigned class work. Your teacher is sitting quietly behind her desk with her head down grading papers. To the left, you hear papers ruffling and you glance over to see a note being passed and you hear mumbling and snickering. Do you risk the chance of getting in trouble by joining in? I mean, you would be “keeping it real” by doing what is eXpected of you by the consensus of the classroom. Or do you keep it genuine and stick to who you really are—an A student who is afraid of authority—and continue to do your work quietly without any disruption? If you join in and participate, you would risk detention and a zero on your assignment, which would aid in the decline of your GPA. But, if you don’t join in, you will be viewed as “a lame” and “a goodie two shoes”. How long do you mull over your decision? Do you even think about it, or do you act upon instinct and potentially choose the wrong action?
Sure, a lot of things look like fun or like a great idea from a distance, but it only takes a matter of minutes to go over the pros and cons of each and every decision.
In each of these decisions, as with any aspect of life, you have a choice. The beauty in choices is that you can actually take time out to think things through instead of acting on instinct and whim. Many times, young adults forget about the beauty of decisions and choices and rush into actions bullhead first simply for the sake of “keeping it real” and the praise of peers. I, however, dare you to keep it genuine and carefully think through decisions because, ultimately, each decision you make tips the cards used to construct the path of your life…
