# Are We All Victims of Society? Understanding Scams and Self-Identity
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Chapter 1: The Cautionary Tale of Bert
Recently, my neighbor Bert, a retired individual who lived just four houses down, demonstrated the importance of vigilance. He had always been cautious, especially regarding his finances, thanks to warnings from his sister, a former bank employee. “Always be wary of anyone asking about your savings,” she frequently advised.
Just fifteen minutes before his ordeal, Bert received a call from his bank, informing him that his card had been compromised. They assured him there was no need for alarm, as a representative from the Senior Service Center would come to collect his card and PIN to resolve the issue.
You can probably predict the unfortunate outcome. A stranger arrived, took Bert's card, and assured him that a new one would be dispatched shortly.
“For security reasons, the new card and PIN will arrive separately,” the scammer stated, adding a fabricated touch of authenticity.
In less than half an hour, Bert’s account was emptied at an ATM just a few blocks away.
The most heartbreaking aspect was Bert's sense of shame and anger. His sister's warnings echoed in my mind: “He should have listened!” she lamented. “Now he feels so defeated and frustrated with himself.”
Hearing stories of vulnerable seniors falling prey to such deceit is always shocking. Who could perpetrate such a heinous act against the elderly? It seems to defy any moral code, even among criminals. There’s nothing heroic about exploiting the elderly.
Still, one might wonder: why didn’t Bert recognize the scam? Why did he willingly hand over his card to someone who didn’t resemble a bank employee? Why didn’t he call the bank to confirm the legitimacy of the situation? The signs were glaringly obvious.
Are We All Prisoners of Our Own Society?
We often hold a false sense of security, believing we’re immune to the tricks of scammers. Many of us think we are smarter or less gullible than others.
But are we truly any wiser than Bert? The anxiety of losing something valuable or the fear of missing out can make anyone susceptible to deceit. External pressures from persistent scammers can cloud our judgment.
It’s human nature to seek categorization. Society often puts us in boxes, providing a semblance of certainty and clarity. These boxes help us understand our identities and aspirations, shaping our routines—even if they don't bring us joy. They create frameworks for popularity within specific groups.
However, these boxes can also trap us. They limit our perspectives, making us vulnerable to risks, fraud, and unforeseen circumstances. We may become ensnared in a narrow view, making us easy targets for scams.
What is society if not a collection of these boxes?
Last week, I completed a questionnaire intended for a personal coaching session. The results, which arrived two days later, provided a fifteen-page profile. According to Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, I was categorized as “orange,” a blend of strength and friendliness, depicting me as a creative motivator.
While flattering, this label also left me uneasy. The profile cautioned that I struggle to interact with those labeled as “light blue”—the more introverted types. It suggested that a week of solitude would improve my disposition.
Yet, I am far more complex than the box in which I was placed.
Context shapes our identities. Who are my colleagues? What are the stakes? Some days, I’m a motivator; other times, I’m a quiet observer.
To paraphrase a famous character, “I’m not just a color; I’m a free person.”
Alienation in a Connected World
If only I could break free from these societal constraints.
As I observe the world around me, the sense of disconnection grows. I feel like an alien amid the connections we’ve created.
However, this sense of alienation can be liberating. It prompts a form of “unbox therapy,” encouraging a deeper exploration of our true selves. This process is challenging but essential for disrupting conformity and fostering personal growth. It’s a vital step towards becoming a more resilient individual, better equipped to handle the uncertainties, fears, pressures, and scams that permeate our lives.
Do you truly know yourself?
Chapter 2: Lessons from the Past
In this insightful video, a former maximum-security prison guard unveils how inmates craft weapons, shedding light on the underbelly of prison life.
Chapter 3: The Truth Behind Freedom of Speech
David Icke discusses the complexities surrounding free speech, exploring who truly holds power in our world and the influence of money.