Family Is A Reflection Of Society
The strength or weakness of a society is based on the family relationship dynamic. According to Confucius, to build an ideal society; the family relationship is an essential part of thinking, thus the doctrine of filial piety is the cornerstone of all ethics.
The beginning of all socialization is the family. It is not only genetics that are shared between individuals. It is where one gains their initial mannerisms and thought processes. It is how an individual’s motive and motivation are constructed and speech patterns come from the force called family. The family unit is one of the strongest and longest lasting relationships that mankind can experience.
From a family, comes structure and stability. Through family, a linkage is made between one’s past and present. If given a particular upbringing, one can see their future through their family. Strong families produce a society that is founded on values, acceptance, tolerance, and advancement.
What a family values is the fabric that weaves a nation. Ideals such as success, determination, honesty, respect, generosity, holding to tradition, communication, responsibility, and belonging are components of establishing and retaining an industrialized thriving empire. Ones value system should contain several components or ideologies. One must seek to uplift the community through service. One must have concern and respect for family legacy and family name. One ought to have compassion for all living things. One should be compliant with the laws and authority. Therefore, order is in place and one is inclined to do what is morally right. Family values should impart self-control. Self-control is the key to personal power. One has to be able to withstand many things and be able to have enough will and restraint to endure against adversity. Self-control speaks to that. If a society holds true to its values, it has the ability to shape the world’s value system.
In heterogeneous societies, like America and the West; in order for a nation to remain competitive and formidable, it must adapt and impart tolerance. According to former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, “Ignorance and prejudice are the handmaidens of propaganda. Our mission, therefore, is to confront ignorance with knowledge, bigotry with tolerance, and isolation with the outstretched hand of generosity. Racism can, will, and must be defeated.” One must look at the strength of diversity. Diversity is not limited to demographics. It is the composition of one’s life experiences, social status, education level, and more that determine diversity. Everyone collaborating makes for a vibrant populace.
Advancement in a family is often linked to maturity. It is rising into or holding a leadership role. Family advancement is coming of age and finding one’s niche. Family advancement is a healthy environment where all members are able to grow, learn, and succeed to their fullest ability while striving as an individual and flourishing as a unit. If the family gets the concept right, the society does, also. In a society, advancement is promotion. It resembles independence and not dependence. As standards and expectations change, due to advancement, in a society; so does one’s global standing and ability to influence.
The family is a direct reflection of a nation’s ideology, global standing, and identity. If a family cultivates safety, then society is equipped to be a secure nation that promotes international peace. If a family treats each individual with dignity and respect, then a society is to affirm that belief and magnify it to the world. If a family has the dexterity to obey the laws and the authorities, then the society is capable of adopting that as a universal value. If the family applies acceptance and tolerance, then the society will be humane. If the family is able to correct what is broken and willing to reform it, then the society is able to restore public confidence in its institutions. If the family is able to galvanize behind a cause, then the international community is capable of mobilizing to battle against pandemics, terrorism, and other global issues.
The direction in which the family goes, so goes the society. We, individuals, must do what is necessary to build up the oldest social institution, the family. Wherefore the family prospers, so does the society. It is imperative for the family to not only survive, but thrive.
