Nature vs. Nurture

Environment can have both negative and positive affects on a person. It is clear  to me, however, that the environment that a person grows up in plays a major role in the kind of person that they'll be, the decisions that they will make, the opinions they'll have, and the stance that they'll take on major issues. I'm not saying that because someone grew up in a stereotypically conservative town, that they'll take a conservative stance on issues and continue to think like that for their whole lives. No, I don't believe that conclusion is necessary to jump to. I do, however, know that until someone can really break out of their shell and begin to think for themselves, the opinions of others in their immediate area will be impressed upon them and will play a major role in their lives.

Let me give you an example. The town that I live in is predominately liberal. While I don't typically like to politically classify entire geographic areas, please bare with me; it's needed to make this point. I have some relatives who live in a significantly more rural, conservative town. Their pre-pubescent child approached me with a mildly disgusted tone after he'd glanced over at the TV screen which was re-playing the CNN/YouTube Democratic Debates.  He said something along the lines of, "Can you believe [that candidate] wants to let gay people get married?" I thoughtfully, yet nonchalantly, shrugged off the question as my mind delved deep into thought. Accustomed to being surrounded by people who support gay marriage or simply don't mind it, I was slightly phased by the question. Thus, I rapidly decided not to take him seriously. Knowing that he was about eleven years old, I said to myself, "That can't possibly be his real opinion, it must've been impressed upon him by the society in which he lives." While I have strong faith in the minds of young people, I simply knew that he was not old enough to think for himself on this issue. Therefore, it was done and I didn't bring it up again.

This incident brings to light the fact, if not the issue, that the environment in which one is raised proves paramount to the development of that person's ideas. If one is raised with the ideals of hatred and bigotry constantly brought up and eventually made part of daily life, they will, more than likely grow up to be a person who hates. I am not in any way saying that people can not change; this negative "nurturing" simply doesn't help create a positive foundation for future development, though. On the contrary, environment can play a very positive role in the life of an individual. If one is brought up in a place where good morals, ethics, and generally kind behavior and ideals are practiced and taught often, there's a good chance that they'll become a good, upstanding citizen. 

Hopefully this article has taught everyone something; it certainly has made me think. If you're a parent or plan to be one in the future, you need to understand that all of your actions will contribute to the kind of person that your child becomes. The environment that you create for your child to live in will play a major role in his life and therefore will influence the future of American society.