The alternative is to act blindly on impulses, feelings and belief systems that have no known source or purpose. Scientific evidence presents a convincing argument that heredity and genetics play a major role in who we are. Studies also indicate, however, that our environment impacts how we develop who we are. In the chapter, Child Warriors, I discuss in greater detail the impact of the media on our children. This is a form of conditioning.
Children are perceptive beings.
If adults engage them in discussion of the conditions in their environment which affect the way they think and feel, children can learn to act rather than react. We adults are very aware and lament the negative influence that environmental factors such as the media and commercial market are having on our children. It is important that we pass this awareness on to our children. Point out those things in the environment that condition children to accept stereotypes and bigotry, which desensitize them to violence and vulgarity, and which create in them reactive emotional responses. Awareness and knowledge gives them the power to make proactive decisions.