Future Posts
1. What is My Construction?
2. What is Deconstruction?
3. Will I Self-Destruct?
4. My God?
5. It’s the Principle of the Thing.
6. Deconstruction Hurts.
7. I’m With Stupid.
8. The Echo Chamber: Hello? Can Anybody Hear Me?
9. Reconstructing After Deconstruction: Now What?
10. Why Do I Always Have to Be Right?
11. Measure Twice, Cut Once.
Here’s the full list of all 11 topics, with the titles and their corresponding summaries:
1. What is My Construction?
Overview: Before you can start tearing down your political or societal beliefs, it’s important to understand what they are made of in the first place. This post will take a humorous yet insightful look at the “blueprint” of personal identity—what constructs your current worldview? Is it inherited cultural beliefs, political ideologies, or social pressures? We’ll explore how our “construction” is influenced by family, education, media, and society, and how it shapes how we navigate the world.
2. What is Deconstruction?
Overview: A crash course in what deconstruction really is—and isn’t. This piece will explore how deconstruction is about dismantling those inherited or absorbed ideas to figure out which ones are truly yours and which ones need to be tossed in the dumpster. It’s not about smashing everything to pieces (despite the fun image), but about taking things apart with precision and care. You’ll discuss the process of rethinking beliefs, questioning norms, and reconstructing something more authentic.
Tone: Compare deconstruction to a child taking apart a toy to see what’s inside—not to break it, but to understand how it works. You can even make fun of the fact that, much like with toys, sometimes you can’t put things back together the way they were!
3. Will I Self-Destruct?
Overview: Deconstruction can be an intimidating process, and the fear of “losing yourself” is real. But spoiler alert: self-destruction isn’t the same as deconstruction. This post will tackle the anxiety that comes with questioning deeply held beliefs—whether political, social, or personal. Reassure readers that while it can feel disorienting, deconstruction is actually a path to finding yourself, not losing yourself. You’ll explore how embracing uncertainty can be scary but ultimately liberating.
Tone: Lighten the mood by comparing this fear to movie clichés about ticking time bombs, only to reveal that the timer is actually counting up and the bomb is just a metaphorical firecracker.
4. My God?
Overview: This piece will explore the intersection of politics, society, and how secular beliefs (like political ideologies) often take the place of religion for many modern thinkers. You’ll discuss how people can become dogmatic about their political affiliations, treating them as sacred and unquestionable. The goal is to encourage readers to recognize that even their most “rational” or secular beliefs can fall into the same patterns as religious devotion and that these, too, are worth deconstructing.
Tone: Use playful irreverence, comparing political allegiance to modern-day worship—complete with rituals like checking Twitter for the latest ideological affirmations. You can joke about the “gods” of modern politics (algorithm, anyone?), but also offer serious insights into how we unconsciously put our faith in these structures.
5. It’s the Principle of the Thing.
Overview: This post will delve into how principles—core values and ethics—often get lost in the noise of ideology and groupthink. You’ll encourage readers to sift through the clutter of politics, social expectations, and cultural norms to uncover the underlying principles that truly guide them. These principles should serve as the foundation for their beliefs, not just a banner they carry for their political tribe.
Tone: Inject humor by talking about the absurd things people say and do in the name of “principle.” Reference classic cultural moments where someone shouted “it’s the principle!” over something ridiculous, and then segue into the deeper conversation about real guiding principles versus empty posturing.
6. Deconstruction Hurts.
Overview: This post will acknowledge the emotional toll of deconstruction—how breaking down long-held beliefs can be painful, disorienting, and isolating. You’ll explore why it’s important to let yourself feel that discomfort, rather than rushing to reconstruct. But hey, good news: like tearing down an old building, sometimes you’ve got to deal with the dust and debris before you can start fresh.
Tone: Inject humor by comparing deconstruction to a “self-inflicted root canal”—nobody’s lining up for it, but the relief that comes after is undeniable. You can joke about how “the struggle is real” and that no one’s ever looked elegant while tearing down an emotional wall.
7. I’m With Stupid
Overview: Explore how political tribes form and why people cling to them, even when their tribe’s beliefs may no longer align with their own. Discuss how deconstruction can help people step back and question whether their political affiliations are still serving their core values—or just serving their need for belonging.
Tone: Compare political tribalism to joining a sports team—complete with face paint, slogans, and blind loyalty. Then hit them with the realization: maybe you don’t even like the sport anymore.
8. The Echo Chamber: Hello? Can Anybody Hear Me?
Overview: This post will tackle the phenomenon of the echo chamber, where we surround ourselves with people and media that reinforce our preexisting beliefs. Encourage readers to step outside their comfort zones and engage with different perspectives. Deconstruct the idea that disagreement is dangerous or that being challenged means you’re being attacked.
Tone: Imagine being in an actual echo chamber where every time you say “I’m right,” it bounces back to you louder. Make fun of how satisfying it is at first, but ultimately, you realize you’re just talking to yourself.
9. Reconstructing After Deconstruction: Now What?
Overview: After deconstruction, what comes next? This post will focus on the importance of reconstruction—building a new, more authentic worldview that reflects your principles, not just the ruins of your old one. It’s about taking the pieces you’ve deconstructed and constructing something new that feels true to who you are now.
Tone: Compare this phase to playing with Legos—yes, you just smashed your creation, but now you’ve got all the pieces to build something even cooler. And this time, you’re following your own instructions.
10. Why Do I Always Have to Be Right?
Overview: Deconstruct the desire to always be “right” in political or ideological debates. Explore how this need for certainty can prevent real growth and exploration of new ideas. Sometimes the most freeing thing is admitting, “I don’t know.”
Tone: Use self-deprecating humor about the thrill of “winning” an argument at a dinner party, only to realize you’re not even sure you believe what you’re saying anymore. Show how it’s much more rewarding to stay open than to always be right.
11. Measure Twice, Cut Once
Overview: Deconstruction is not about recklessly dismantling everything at once; it’s a process that requires precision and thoughtfulness. This post will explore the importance of reflecting carefully before making any major cuts to your belief system. The idea is to assess and reassess, ensuring you truly understand a belief or assumption before discarding or modifying it. This principle speaks to the need for balance in deconstruction: not everything needs to go, but careful examination will reveal what does.
Tone: Inject humor by comparing deconstruction to a home DIY project that went horribly wrong because you “eyeballed it.” Use the metaphor of someone going at their beliefs with a chainsaw, only to realize they’ve made a mess. Then, pivot to the wisdom of thoughtful, measured deconstruction—like cutting just the right amount of fat off a steak, rather than chopping the whole thing in half.
This complete list offers a great mix of humor and depth, keeping the tone light while tackling serious ideas around deconstruction and self-reflection. Let me know if you need any further tweaks!
