When people are born into a society, they are immediately immersed in the culture of that society. From birth, individuals begin to absorb values, norms, behaviors, and beliefs through socialization processes such as family upbringing, education, religion, media, and peer interactions. Over time, these cultural elements become so ingrained in their identity that they are perceived as natural and immutable, even though culture is, in reality, dynamic and constantly changing. However, this process of learning and normalizing culture can mask the subtle manipulations and corruptions that may have occurred over time, often driven by powerful elites or oligarchs who seek control and centralization of power.
1. Cultural Socialization and Normalization
- From birth, individuals are socialized into their respective cultures, absorbing societal values and norms without questioning their origins or validity.
- As they grow, these values are reinforced through social institutions (family, schools, religious organizations, media, etc.), creating a deep sense of familiarity and acceptance.
- People tend to assume that the current state of their culture is the natural and inevitable progression of human development, even when changes have occurred gradually over time.
- The norms and values they encounter are seen as “normal,” even when those norms may reflect forms of corruption, manipulation, or exploitation that have become institutionalized over the years.
2. The Role of Oligarchs and Centralized Power
- Oligarchs, powerful elites who control significant economic, political, and cultural resources, often seek to shape culture to maintain and strengthen their position.
- Their influence can be exerted through media ownership, control of political institutions, economic monopolies, and shaping public discourse. This allows them to perpetuate narratives that favor centralization and control.
- By influencing culture, oligarchs promote values such as consumerism, obedience to authority, and acceptance of inequalities, which help maintain the status quo and ensure their dominance.
- The corruption of cultural ideals can occur subtly, with oligarchs manipulating historical narratives, values, and institutions over time so that their dominance appears “natural” or justified in the minds of the people.
3. The Illusion of Progress and “Controlled” Change
- People often perceive change in society as progress, believing that any change, whether social, political, or economic, is a natural step forward. However, these changes may have been directed by oligarchic interests.
- Many cultural shifts, especially those that benefit the elite, are presented as progress (e.g., technological advancements, economic growth models, certain political reforms), but they might reinforce oligarchic control or perpetuate social inequalities.
- For instance, changes in labor systems or digital platforms may appear as progress but can also increase the centralization of power by placing more control in the hands of a few corporations or elites.
- The cumulative effect of such changes can create a society that is radically different from its historical roots, yet the gradual nature of these shifts makes them hard to detect. Each generation grows up considering the current version of the culture to be “normal.”
4. Cultural Corruption Over Time
- Over time, core elements of a culture—its values, traditions, social norms—can be eroded or subtly altered. Oligarchic influence can corrupt these elements to align with the interests of the elite.
- Corruption of Values: Values such as community, equality, and solidarity may be replaced by values like individualism, competition, and consumerism, which serve the interests of a centralized power structure.
- Manipulation of History: Historical narratives can be rewritten or framed in a way that legitimizes the power of the elites while diminishing the struggles and contributions of marginalized groups.
- Control of Institutions: Key social institutions (such as education, media, and religion) may be co-opted to reflect oligarchic interests, promoting ideas that normalize existing power structures and make them appear unchangeable.
5. Why Corruption Goes Unnoticed
- Cultural corruption goes largely unnoticed because of gradualism. The slow, incremental changes are difficult for individuals to recognize, especially if they are presented as progress or are integrated into everyday life.
- The generations growing up under these conditions rarely question the foundation of these changes because they have been socialized to see them as “normal.”
- Psychological Conditioning: Over time, people may develop a deep sense of attachment to the existing system, even if it harms them. They might view any challenge to the established order as dangerous or destabilizing.
- Media and Propaganda: Media plays a crucial role in reinforcing the narratives set by oligarchs, controlling the flow of information and shaping public perception in favor of those who hold power.
6. The Consequences of Cultural Corruption
- Loss of Critical Thinking: As culture becomes more controlled by oligarchic interests, critical thinking diminishes. People accept societal narratives without questioning their origins, purpose, or beneficiaries.
- Erosion of Rights and Freedoms: Over time, societal shifts may erode individual freedoms and rights, replacing them with systems that prioritize control and surveillance over democracy and civil liberties.
- Inequality and Stratification: The centralization of power leads to greater social and economic inequality. Oligarchs benefit from systems that disproportionately reward them while leaving the majority with fewer resources and opportunities.
7. Overcoming Cultural Corruption
- Critical Awareness: Recognizing the slow erosion and manipulation of culture requires critical awareness. Individuals and communities need to question the status quo and challenge dominant narratives.
- Decentralization of Power: Pushing back against centralized control involves advocating for decentralization in political, economic, and cultural spheres. Localized decision-making, grassroots movements, and participatory democracy are essential to counter oligarchic control.
- Cultural Preservation and Innovation: Communities can preserve authentic cultural values while innovating in ways that serve the common good, rather than the interests of the powerful few.
As people grow up internalizing the culture they are born into, accepting it as natural even as it changes over time. However, the subtle manipulation of culture by oligarchic interests often goes unnoticed. This corruption serves the centralization of power and control, leading people to accept a version of culture that may benefit only a select few. The challenge lies in becoming aware of these gradual changes, fostering critical thinking, and promoting decentralized systems that reflect the true values and interests of the people, rather than those of oligarchs.
Authors note: In our second article, Combating The Internalization of Culture We Are Born Into
We will talk about steps an individual and society can take to avoid internalization of culture they are born into.
