"Power is frequently defined by political scientists as the ability to influence the behavior of others with or without resistance. The term authority is often used for power perceived as legitimate by the social structure. Power can be seen as evil or unjust, but the exercise of power is accepted as endemic to humans as social beings.
The use of power need not involve coercion (force or the threat of force). At one extreme, it more closely resembles what everyday English-speakers call "influence", although some authors make a distinction between power and influence – the means by which power is used (Handy, C. 1993 Understanding Organisations)."
I believe there are two different types of power out there: the loud power and the quiet power. The loud power tends to emit itself in a flashy show of defiance. The quiet power is an internal strength that flows from within the soul. Imagine the loud power like a super model strutting down the walkway shouting, "Look at me! Look at me!" The quiet power is the smell that old books from the library holds over the dedicated reader or the crave for sand under their feet from the beach-lover. Each do the same thing: influence, impact, sway or effect.
Look at powerful people in politics. How did they get into the position of power they strove for? They influenced a group of people to put them there. In most circumstances the people had not idea what their moral or ethical background was, let alone what their platform truly consisted of. The people put them there because of the mass marketing success of that candidate.
How did Obama win four years ago? He held one of the strongest weapons in this world; influence. How did he accomplish this? He worked an avenue not a single candidate before him worked: social media. Alongside of his dashingly motivating speeches and grand promises Obama influenced an entire nation to vote YES for the first black president.
So why am I rambling on about politics, types of power or any of these such things? Because I believe in the power of an individual. Because I believe that in our society, not enough people support a positive view of each other enough. Because I believe that there are good people, doing good things in this world. Because I have witnessed all of the above, more times then I can count on my hands or feet or even those of 25 people.
And I think that we can do something more about this...
Society demands so many different unhealthy ideas to develop within ourselves. Society holds such a damning power over us. Influencing us to throw up everything we eat to reach that ultimate weight to playing "the game" to appear like a bad-ass instead of just being who you are. It's crazy to think that we are constantly changing who we are, what we wear, how we think, what we do, who we hang with, down to what color to paint our nails because of what a social circle thinks. What ever happened to just loving who you are and being ok with that?
I want to say that instead of putting down your best friend with a joke, you should tell him/her how much that shirt looks good on them that day. Instead of putting yourself down in your head, try to accept everything about yourself. Because in the end it is truly ok to be who you are. Instead of being paranoid and scared of the world or strangers around you, say hi to a neighbor.
Think about it. How are you influencing those around you? How are you influencing yourself? What is your power?
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