Three Ways You Can Change a Culture

Back when I was in grade twelve I had an English class wherein we spoke about culture, my instructor at the time questioned whether or not it could be changed.

But it has many times. We just have to look at a country twenty years ago to see it: What did people wear? What did they discuss? What did they believe and what did they think was right and wrong? The answers the majority give is very much different then it is now. In other words: The culture has changed.

Some may argue that this isn't the same as a group changing the culture; but consider the Civil Rights movement--lots changed largely because of what started as minority of people. So if we can agree that culture does change and we as people can change our culture then we can ask: how can it be done?

There are three ways to change a culture:

Shaming: To shame something is to "cause someone to feel ashamed"; most of us agree that it's necessary. Joking about the holocaust would be an example. But it can also be used and is being used against those who overeat. It can take the form of not laughing at a joke, a disgusted look or a strongly worded blog post.

Glorifying: To glorify something is to make it appear as a superior characteristic to have or a greater act that should be done. For example someone may tell a story of how someone they knew helped a homeless women and thus glorify charity. When people see that others view such a characteristic is admirable in other people's views they are more likely to do the same.

Protesting: Protesting is related to but not the same as shaming. It involves actively campaigning against something in a way that attacks its progress. This can be disliking a Youtuber video, unsubscribing or even boycotting. It usually tries to change the culture of an organization.