Questions

We act according to what we believe. We believe according to how we are taught. These two statements are obviously true.

Psychologists and sociologists may debate how much of human behavior is influenced by genetics versus environment. Regardless, it is perhaps the first five years of life that has the greatest influence on a person's attitudes towards other people. It is the parents, the schools, and the peer group for the next twelve years that have the greatest influence. We now see the influence of both social media and broadcast media included on a young person's thinking.

If parents act (and therefore teach) that police officers are to be feared, and not be respected, then will a child respect police officers? If parents claim that "the system" is against them (because they are in a "minority" group), and that they can never succeed, then what dreams does the child have for the future?

If parents take handouts from the government, and the children are fed by "school lunch programs," where is the teaching of self-reliance and hard work? How does a child develop self confidence and pride in both learning and doing good work?

If the schools, major media, and the child's social peer group reinforce the teaching that minority groups are oppressed, then why would we expect the person to give respect to all other people, and especially those sworn to protect and serve the public?

If there is no teaching of moral behavior during childhood, then what basis is there for trusting the adult?

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake