The Impact of Asking 'Why'

As a child, when I inquired about the reasons behind my mother’s rules, her response was often, “Because I said so.” This taught me quickly that asking questions was not welcomed. I internalized the belief that my curiosity was misplaced; my mother's knowledge was paramount, and my need for clarity was insignificant.

This mindset carried over into my educational experiences, where I refrained from raising my hand to seek explanations from teachers. To me, they were figures of authority, and their insights were undoubtedly superior, even if I had a nagging feeling that their rationale was flawed.

As I transitioned into various jobs, I never questioned my superiors. I assumed their decisions were based on profound wisdom and experiences that I couldn’t grasp, and I placed my complete trust in their leadership.

However, beneath this blind trust, a nagging suspicion festered. What if I dared to ask why and received no answer? What if their explanations were simply echoes of what their bosses had told them, passed down without scrutiny?

In my previous role in a bustling marketing department, I noticed that none of my colleagues dared to challenge decisions. One day, during a meeting at our polished mahogany table, I felt compelled to speak up while our manager outlined upcoming changes.

“Why?” I asked, breaking the silence that enveloped the room.

My manager shot me a disapproving look from the head of the table. “Because that’s the way it is, Barbara.”

In that moment, I sensed an attempt to shame me, reminiscent of my childhood. My coworkers exchanged glances, likely shocked at my audacity to question the status quo.

After an awkward pause, my manager felt obliged to elaborate. “These are the new directives from corporate. I had no role in this decision.”

He swiftly shifted to another topic, clearly dismissing my inquiry. Yet, I grasped the underlying truth: His role as a middle manager was merely to relay orders from above, creating a chain of command devoid of questioning.

This domino effect of directives cascades down through the hierarchy. But how often do we challenge these decisions?

This pattern extends into our daily lives, particularly around holidays. We rush to buy gifts we can’t afford, prepare meals we dislike, and endure long waits at airports to visit relatives we might not even wish to see—all because we’ve been conditioned to follow societal expectations without questioning why.

Traditions wield significant influence. For instance, what do Indigenous peoples think of Thanksgiving? Did the pilgrims truly share a meal with them, or did they steal their resources and displace them, leaving them with nothing?

Why don’t we celebrate mothers on their birthdays, given all they’ve done? Why do we ask others how they are without genuine interest, merely fulfilling a social obligation?

I believe I understand why we’ve stopped asking why: it’s simply easier. Compliance requires minimal effort. Blending in with the crowd provides comfort and a sense of safety, allowing us to avoid the discomfort of standing out by questioning accepted norms.

Despite this, I will always have questions. For me, the act of questioning opens up avenues for deeper understanding and insights that might otherwise remain hidden. Asking why illuminates untold answers and potential discoveries.

How can such a simple word possess such immense power? If we all had the bravery to persistently question why, wouldn’t our world be vastly improved?

Chapter 1: The Fear of Questioning Authority

In a world where conformity often reigns, the fear of asking why can be profound.

Chapter 2: The Power of Inquiry

The first video titled "Why Ask Why... I Don't Ask Why Anymore" explores the reluctance to question authority and the implications it has on our lives.

The second video, "Don't Ask Why," delves into the societal pressures that discourage inquiry and promote conformity.