On "Re-Creating Culture Through Peer Pressure"

My two cents. In response to my friend's proposal on re-creating culture.

I'm happy that there are still people who care and think for the good of the community and the nation specially looking at the condition of our nation as a whole. I knew some people that really worked hard and spent so much time helping those in need. But we need more of these people to achieve the goal.

Few of our batchmates, including myself, discussed on how to get involved and contribute to the community. That was a year ago! Though it's understandable that nothing is done coz we're out of the country (not a good reason though), and sometimes we're out of touch. Ouch! And, we're still at that stage, thinking! hmmm...

I'm for re-creating the culture through training and education specially to children or young ones. However, I prefer other alternatives to peer pressure.

Why not peer pressure? This is the same tool and tactic that our politicians used to corrupt the whole country. It created the padrino system, that if you don't have padrino your application (whatever transaction you're trying to get) won't be processed or will be delayed. Or you have to give certain percentage to get the government project coz there's a pressure from department head. This type of corruption is an open secret that almost every one knew, yet no one can exactly point out the people involved!

Corruption is no longer a problem, and it becomes the norm! It's a social disease! I guess it emanated from peer pressure. If you can't beat them join them syndrome?

Why peer pressure works? Most of us wanted approval/acceptance from our peers in things that we do. Once one is against the grain he may become an outcast. So, one has to conform with what others want to do.

Alternative. Teach them by example.
1. Values. Conduct, character, conscience and integrity. These mold the personality of the person.

2. Cause and effect. For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction. Newton's Law! This is learned in physics, but children need not be scientists to learn this law. We can teach them like the campaign ads Basura mo ay Babalik sa Iyo. This example is powerful specially those who really experienced flooding due to garbage mismanagement. Or do unto others as you want others do unto you.

3. To follow the rules & rights/freedom. Going by the rules seems difficult specially nowadays people wanted rights/freedom. There's always a tendency to go against it coz he wants his freedom. We have to teach them that freedom is not absolute! That freedom has to follow the rules. Example: If somebody is inside the theater or movie house, he can't just talk loudly as he likes coz he's violating others' rights to enjoy the show.

On love for country and nationalism. Social studies was taught as a fact through the national heroes' deeds. Unfortunately, it's never emphasized to love the country. Maybe our teachers missed the target. We have to teach the children sense of belonging. That is to the community and country.