Choose One

As kids, we are told to follow our dreams. Our guardians tell us the sky is the limit and to shoot for the stars, even as we grow into young adults. Life is about choices but we are often faced with factors that are not of our choosing. For example, Nordstrom just laid out some new shirts for the season. Before you enter, you know you need a red shirt, and only see 3 that you like as shown in the figure. At this point, reflect on that you had no choices on shirts displayed. Nordstrom selects to show customers and the color of red that you will find, but you still have a choice between one of the 3 or none. Also, its not like you are going to make one from scratch, unless it’s a unique skill you possess.

Red Shirt

Meyer (2014) introduced his research on choices, and stated many of the choices made in my life seem to relate to dialogue and relationships (p.174). I agree with Dr. Lyengar’s first assumption is that when it comes to making your own choices (TEDTalks: Sheena Iyenga, 2010), that only holds when oneself is divided from others. Most of our choices are shaped by pre-existing factors that we must stay within for some its because of how our guardian taught us and we don’t want to disappointment them and others pick up a few things in life and change courses. Meyer (2014) discussed his association with Southern States Communication Association (SSA) and stated peer pressure brought him there, and he went to be become the president, again referring to peer pressure (p. 173). Meyer’s could’ve stated instead of peer pressure, use the word support, and in this context means, in agreement with other’s actions or ideas enough to provide assistance in various ways. Meyer’s recognized the extent of how much someone could influence choice, you didn’t think to make like climbing a ladder and your not sure why. 

I recall enrolling into college mentoring program straight out of high school and asked during the middle of it, a major to pick so I can be enrolled my first semester. I had no clue on what to pick, and after the counselor described a few to me, still didn’t know, she made a suggestion and I remember convincing myself it was a good pick, without questioning why the others were not good picks. 

Where to go from here?

The second assumption, more choices yields better choices, I must agree that with more choices can become overwhelming. Dr. Lyengar study on people choosing between 10 or more options showed they make poorer decisions. I recall shopping at Walmart trying to find a recommended fruit drink from my parent. I didn't find it at all among the many choices, similar to the colorful drinks below, I thought I needed to pick one. I decided to make a purchase and drinking my first glass I was very unpleased with the taste. I literately chose something that wasn’t looking for in the first place and was disappointed. I would have been more satisfied purchasing the recommended drink. At work, you could ask for approvals to publish new standards that impact everyone but instead you only ask a few people. The agreement of a few representing everyone is easier than getting the agreement of everyone. I agree that unlimited choice is more attractive in theory than in practice as stated by Dr. Lyengar (TEDTalks: Sheena Iyenga, 2010).

Pick one

The third assumption, never say no to choice, similar to maze, you at least want the option to chose. I agree that it is likely the most problematic limitless choice. We reflect on choices when the outcomes catch up with us, to think that we would rather do it all ourselves again, is an ideal rooted in American culture. Maybe this is why American have abundance of things, the more you have the better you feel. Most people believe in the philosophy that everything happens for a reason and in my opinion, it’s a popular belief because it lessens regretful thoughts and actions that may consume someone, if not said at all. A comforting phrase, “If I could do it all over again” is a typical saying when realizing a different path or perspective different from the one already chosen. One must realize past actions do not have to be repeated in the future, so that history will not repeat itself. 

When turning, you make a choice.

Dr. Lyengar quoted “no single narrative serves the needs of everyone from everywhere and Americans can benefit from incorporating new perspective in their narrative, which has been driving choices for so long” (TEDTalks: Sheena Iyenga, 2010).The implications from her comments portrays Americans as self-righteous values of choice belonging to the individual and strengthening cultural influence to mold other countries to accept American view. Years of war is an indication that the American view is become less attractive to other countries to shift towards (governing structures) but embrace how the are different; some taking a more radical approach to resist the American culture.

It took several decades for manufacturing companies in America to see the true value in W. Edwards Deming’s philosophy of quality that lead Japan to dominate the world market in quality. American’s didn’t notice the significance until CBS broadcasted Deming’s documentary in the 80’s. It may take much longer before Americans can realize the limitations of assumptions, and that choice are mostly interdependent.

Meyer, J. C. (2014). Communication, Relationships, and the Choices We Make. Southern Communication Journal, 79(3), 172-179. doi:10.1080/1041794X.2014.914420

TEDTalks: Sheena Iyengar--The Art of Choosing [Motion picture on Online Video]. (2010). TED.