The NRA course "Refuse to be a Victim" effectively covers what we must do to protect our physical body. This article briefly discusses what we could do to protect ourselves from psychological abuse. Few would dispute the fact that just as the principles of our great nation are being attacked daily, there are perpetrators in our government, entertainment and media attacking us psychology.
There are many things that our eyes and ears take in during the course of a day -- some of which adversely affect us. Just as we need to be cognoscente of the various levels of awareness for our physical safety, we need also to be diligent for our psychological well being.
The electronic media (TV, commercials, movies, News, Internet) is full of information. Much of this information we need and positively use in our lives. A good deal of this information, however, is meant to persuade and influence our thinking and subsequently our actions. Many ideas propagated are in direct opposition with the core values and principles that made our nation great. Often we and, especially our children, are not aware of the subtleties.
None of this is new news. Anyone over the age of 40 is aware of a book titled "The Hidden Persuaders". Published in 1957 and now back in print to celebrate its fiftieth anniversary, the book is Vance Packard's pioneering work revealing how advertisers use psychological methods to tap into our unconscious desires to "persuade" us to buy their products.
But advertisers are not the only ones trying to persuade. The mainstream media, publishers, Hollywood, and many internet sites propagate lies, half-truths and misconceptions they want us to believe. Refuse to be a victim!!
Mature parents fully understand the importance of identifying and propagating guiding principles for their family. And it's nothing but an understatement to say that executing these principles in daily life is a huge challenge. It is, however, something that must be done as the results are well worth it. Children are the future.
Refusing to be a victim requires the identification of right and wrong and some shades in between. It requires constant effort, diligence and oversight. Clearly identify and discuss with family the core principles which you believe, value and from which there are few, if any, deviations. Identify and allow only the TV programs, movies, news and internets sites which are in sync with your values. As simple and basic as this sounds, I wonder how many families do it? And, as we know, children pay much more attention to what their parents do and not so much to what they say.
It's impossible, I've been told, to monitor children constantly especially when both parents work. Perhaps, but your frank family discussions will at least familiarize the children with key principles and beliefs. They will clearly know what they are supposed to do. There will be mistakes but they will have a core set of values to fall back on when assaulted - physically or psychologically.