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Discussion » Questions » Human Behavior » We are all products of our environment/childhood/experiences. Few of us can escape the effects of it. Why?
RosieG

We are all products of our environment/childhood/experiences. Few of us can escape the effects of it. Why?

So we are raised a certain way and we raise our children pretty much the way we were raised with few exceptions. We pass on what we received and our children pass on what they receive. How do we improve upon whom we are so we can improve upon what we pass on to our kids? That's why we still have a problem with racism/bigotry/homophobes/misogynists/hatemongers. It keeps getting passed on. Depending upon your point of view you either think it's great or it stinks. Are you proud of what your parents passed on to you and proud of what you are passing on to your children? Why?

Posted - October 27, 2016
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Responses


  • 7939
    It's a lot more complex than that and I don't think you're right. It's tough to know statistics, but how much has changed in the realm of civil rights in the last 50 years alone? We're not talking one minor shift. We're talking reformulating the ideas of an entire society in 3-4 generations. Holy cow- that is huge. Our parents, grandparents, great grandparents- It's easy to think of it in terms of black rights, women's' rights, and LGBT rights, but there is so much more going on than that. Virtually every group has been under attack for some reason. When you think about it... I can only speak for my family, and I think they are/were generally good people who behaved as expected for their day. One of my grandpas came from the south and fought in World War II. I don't need to tell you which races he wasn't fond of. I bet you can guess, just based on the era and regions. That's society- not just an individual. If it was just an individual with preferences and tendencies, you'd have no clue. The other side is deeply religious. They certainly had their own ideals on what was ok and not. Again, I bet I don't have to tell you what they took issue with. 

    But, on the other hand, my own children don't have much comprehension of racism. They're growing up in a world where all they'll remember is equal rights for marriage. That won't come from me- that's society. Sure, if my daughter asks a question like, "So I can marry another girl?" I say, "Yes," rather than going off about it being morally wrong or something. That part comes at home, but my family has a long tradition of shaming races, religions, etc... and I didn't make a conscious decision to end it with me. (I think I ended it.  O_o) It just did. I think it has more to do with a societal movement. 

    I don't think I'm the exception here. Hmm... I am going to make a poll. ^_^
      October 27, 2016 10:05 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    This is a very thoughtful analysis JA. Apparently I hit a nerve. But I disagree with you. Why is racism still prevalent? We may not have lynchings or KKK in white sheets burning crosses on lawns but the haters are still among us and there is systemic racism going on everywhere in the world, not just America.  How did haters get that way? By being inculcated  with hatred from birth by their parents. No one is born hating anyone. As the song in South Pacific so beautifully states..."you have to be carefully taught to hate".  But I appreciate the time you gave to responding to my question in such detail! Happy Friday! :)
      October 28, 2016 4:05 AM MDT
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