'I was a millennial teenager who very much believed that feminism was unnecessary. ... Then I spent my entire career in a male-dominated field and learned how serious and widespread these issues are. I have changed!'
One of the most beautiful things about being human is our ability to grow and change. Just because we have one thought or opinion on any given day doesn't mean we won't feel the complete opposite later on in life.
It keeps things interesting!prompted people to share the moments in their lives where they realized a belief they had held on to for a long time no longer lined up with the way they viewed the world. They asked,and the answers gave me so much hope. There is always room for things to change. Here's what everyone had to say:"When I was a teenager, I defended the idea that innate talent was more important than effort. I think mostly because I had some innate talents and wanted to feel superior. Now, I know better in so many ways." "The 40-hour work week. It's a scam. Inflation goes up. Housing goes up. Insurance premiums go up. Gas prices go up. Wages stagnate. 40 hours becomes not enough to sustain you, but no one wants to pay you overtime. There's a very niche job market where this all works out, but if you aren't lucky or qualified enough, it's game over." "The death penalty. Our system is hot garbage at proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. We've allowed the state to murder hundreds who were later proven innocent by better forensics. I cannot get behind innocents being put to death by a system that is this easily politically railroaded." "I thought for years that people experiencing homelessness were inherently undeserving of human decency because they chose that life, and if they wanted respect, they should just get a job. After having friends who experienced homelessness and meeting my boyfriend's family, who run a program to help people experiencing homelessness find jobs, housing, and other resources, I've reflected on my past views and tried to teach the people in my life just how hard they actually have it. It's not as easy as 'just get a job.'" "I firmly believed that success had nothing to do with luck, who you knew, or money — it was all about how hard you worked. Then I started looking for my first job out of college. It’s all luck, who you know, and money.""The casual cruelty of some people has really done a number on my eternally optimistic humanist perspective. Maybe it’s good to know, but I hate knowing it. Blind faith that everyone would eventually learn/come around/heal just felt better." "That you should be able to be your honest self at work. Nope. You have to be the fake corporate persona that everyone creates. Sadly, the better you are at being that fictional person, the better you will do. Be your real self at home. Marry the person you can be your real self with, and give them that same space.""I had a professor once describe this as 'speaking the language of money.' She saw it from an anthropological lens. This extends to work behavior, etiquette, fashion, etc. I like this better, because it’s more about acclimating to a different culture than it is being 'fake.'" "I refused to take psychiatric meds for way too long and vehemently defended that stance on the grounds of not wanting a ‘fake fix’ or to be ‘numb.’ I’ve had severe ADHD, CPTSD, and crippling depression since I was about 20. Everything was such a struggle; it was so hard to function in many different aspects of life. I thought meds would turn me into someone else, and I kept telling myself that if I just tried hard enough, found the right environment, exercised, ate healthy, and had healthy relationships, I could pull myself out of it. I knew deep down that I liked who I was, but I couldn’t get out of my own way, and man, my brain would destroy me sometimes. I finally relented and went to a doctor.""I got diagnosed with all the things, started a mood stabilizer and Adderall, and it completely changed my life. Turns out, it made me feel more like my true self. I could think more clearly, speak more clearly, be more patient, better control my emotions, and make better decisions. Literally everything got better. I have so much regret for not going to the doctor sooner. My life would be drastically different had I relented earlier and given medication a shot." "That I was too bald, fat, ugly, and hairy to ever find love until I did — twice. It didn't work out in the end, but the data against my beliefs was hard to ignore. I'm single now, but don't lose hope." "Mind over matter. I used to think that if you put your mind to something, you would succeed. By the time I was 30, I realized physical and intellectual limitations cannot be overcome by 'fake it till you make it.'""I once heard an incredibly smart woman say, 'The thing about 'fake it till you make it' is that eventually, you still have to be able to make it.'" "When I was younger, I believed abortion was always wrong, and that the fetus deserved a shot at life no matter the circumstances of their conception. I have come a very long way from that opinion.""Yeah, this is one I'm seeing a lot these days. Not just alcoholism specifically, but an overall thought that your actions don't affect the people around you." "I was a millennial teenager who very much believed that feminism was unnecessary and domestic violence was a thing that happened to women who 'chose' to stay with abusive men. I didn’t think that the wage gap was a real issue, and that sexism was a rare thing that no one seriously believed. Then I spent my entire career in a male-dominated field and learned how serious and widespread these issues are. I’m sorry, feminists, that I probably said dumb things to you. I have changed!" "Ardent protection of my individualism. Too much individualism is a slow poison. It gave me a very warped view of relationships. I thought that if I didn't give my consent to a responsibility, I didn't need to uphold it. And just as bad, I did my best to absolve others of their responsibilities to me. I drove everyone away. And the responsibilities that I did feel were worthy of taking up were always too big to maintain long-term." "Years and years ago, I used to be a very moderate 'don't speak ill of the dead' kind of guy when it came to political figures, until I looked intowhat kind of shit Antonin Scalia got up to when he was alive. That changed my entire perspective drastically. I am now aleft-leaning guy who is firmly in the camp of 'if you don't want people pissing on your grave, don't be a piece of shit when you're alive.'" "That absolutely every woman should have kids, and that it's a beautiful and flawless process. It's purely due to my upbringing; I was never taught that women had a choice, or when they did choose, there was only one right choice. I also wasn't taught the dangers, both physical and mental, of pregnancy. I learned that not having kids is a perfectly valid life choice, and that each woman should evaluate the pros and cons to make a personal choice for what would make them happy. Other people should not judge them for that choice, simply because it does not mirror their own choice." "When I was younger, my dad always had Fox News. I believed what they said about Obama not being born in the US and wanted to see his birth certificate. That network brainwashes people; my parents are still heavily into it."Are there any things you used to have a strong opinion about, but have since changed your mind? Tell me about it in the comments or use the anonymous form below. Your response may be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed article!
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Venezuelan migrant charged in Loyola student's killing held in custodyA judge has ordered the suspect in Loyola student Sheridan Gorman's killing to remain in custody.
Read more »
'Lovers' Lane Murders' suspect 'held himself out to be law enforcement,' may have more victims: DAOfficials said they are looking for people whom Floyd Parrott may have falsely pulled over before and after the 1990 murders.
Read more »
Missing Brazoria County man identified as homicide victim; suspect held on unrelated chargesA missing 70-year-old man from Brazoria County, Ricardo Garza, has been identified as the victim in a homicide after his body was found concealed at a Rosharon construction site.
Read more »
Rallies across San Diego County held to protest Trump administrationSeveral rallies in San Diego County were planned to protest President Trump's policies on issues from immigration to the war in Iran, organizers said.
Read more »
Passengers claim Delta flight held for late flyer reportedly related to airline executivePassengers on a Delta Air Lines flight departing Salt Lake City said their plane was held on the tarmac for nearly an hour to wait for a late-arriving passenger
Read more »
TLC's Chili Clarifies Political Beliefs After Trump DonationTLC's Chilli clarifies her political affiliation after FEC records show she donated to President Donald Trump and other GOP organizations
Read more »