Mr. Benton
English 102
August 20, 2012
Every thought and even self identity is based on individual perception. Individuals must be cognizant of what events have led to the conclusions made about self identity and perspectives on the ways of the world. Each person has a singular view of how events, norms, and how value is earned or distributed based on the environment that person has been raised in. For the reason that, an individuals culture could narrow the ability to think critically.
Starting in early childhood, parents and other care givers shape what actions and beliefs are acceptable. For example, children in America are taught that education is an inevitable not an option in order for them to attain a career in which will lead to wealth and acceptance. On the contrary children raised in a poverty stricken country are taught it is acceptable to do what ever is necessary to simply survive in their environment. In effect, to the care givers standards of success is the life path and values these children will base their self worth and identities.
As children in America grow older, wealth is associated with power and success. All the paper value they accumulate is associated with material objects and control, while children from another country see that same paper with absolutely no value. The society in which these two groups where raised set different standards of what makes wealth and success, along with what actions will allow them to achieve that “success”.
The small portion of the world a person is raised in sets the mind frame of what is success and who has the power in individual societies. As critical thinkers, people must learn to broaden their mind to the whole world around them and try to see the world through all the people’s perspectives.
Emily, are these differences of perspective/knowledge also prevalent in smaller groups, such as, places, communities and groups (you focused on different countries or societies, why I ask)?
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