A popular nature program broadcast the abbreviated life of a pride of lion cubs. Born into a harsh world, some pre-programmed traits for survival coalesced with skills training provided by the prides leading mothers to train the cubs how life in the savannahs of Africa was to be conducted if survival was the desired result. In a sense, the cubs had become a product of their society as the skills obtained for living would determine their success or failure in their journey. Much in the way the cubs were molded by their parents, our children are molded by us.
Obvious differences between the prides of wild lions and the societies of humans abound, but what the two bear as similarity may best be defined as a culture when you consider that each are subject to patterned activity that certainly gives life importance. It may be even more plausible to suggest that segregated cross-sections of human populations may be more subject to the product of society notion as far less, outside influences exist. In absence of these influences, the cultural norms dominate and form the moral base of the society to which the product of society draws his/her “map for life.”
But in an age where the access to information is easier, is it plausible to maintain the argument that the product of a closed, cultural society is unable to change their ways? Only if the outside forces reflect a degree of the cultural teachings! Consider as an example that a child is raised with the understanding that it is the responsibility of the government to support him/her: this notion programmed into them from very early years in life. As the child grows, the notion is supported through endowment via continued government support programs and reinforcement through socialistic media entities. The child therefore is less likely to change the pattern of his/her society.
To change a product of society requires a mental reprogramming. Thankfully, this ability is inherent in us all. However, a person must desire a change if it is to ever happen. It is the responsibility of the society as a whole to perpetuate the change through the establishment of milestones for success. Personal development is the foundation for a successful capitalistic society, and desire fuels it.
