50 points
The following exercise demonstrates the characteristics and ideas discussed in the nurture theory. Are we a product of our environment? How many of your beliefs are based on the influences of the people around you? Let’s say a small group of your friends approaches you about becoming a member of an organization that they belong to. They talk about how cool the organization is and tell you that it is exclusive. They tell you that the organization acts as a family that looks after each other; they tell you that once you become a part of that family, you are a member of that family for the rest of your natural life. Everything sounds great. Based on the things your friends have told you, you want to get in on this opportunity today. But you have a few questions. You ask what the name of the organization is, but your friends say that they can’t tell you—that only members of the organization talk about the organization. You ask what exactly the organization is, but again, they tell you that you can’t know until you become part of it. You have many other questions all of a sudden, but your friends start shrugging off your questions and tell you that you’re either with them or against them. What is your choice to be? Are you willing to become a member of this organization just from knowing that your friends are a part of it? What about the fact that you will have to be affiliated with this organization for the duration of your life? What if they believe things contrary to your personal beliefs? Considering these things, write a list of questions that you feel your friends should answer before you make your decision. Then write an essay of at least 250 words about why you will or won’t join the family. Be sure to include what influences you to make your decision and the way that you think you will feel about the decision that you have to make. Have you had these types of feelings before? How do you normally react to these types of feelings?