The world around us continues to change day. However, at times we fail to acknowledge that the changes within our immediate environment and our societies at large change us in many ways. First of all, it is important to understand that society is a fluid entity that has three key segments – social, economic, and political – that help define it. Throughout my life I have witnessed tremendous growth and change in all these three segments of society. In this paper I am going to explain some of the changes that I have undergone in these three segments of society and the challenges that I have faced in my efforts to attain this change.
I will begin by discussing the social changes that I have undergone over the years. As a young boy I saw life as a normalcy that did not require attention. Each day came and went without any reflection about myself and the future. My immediate environment to me appeared to be the world to me. I did not take time to question whether there were other parts of the world. I thought all people lived the same everywhere. However, over the years I have come to realize the world is diverse. The world is made up of many unique cultures and societies which are all distinct in great ways. In order to have peaceful co-existence in the world there is a need for all cultures to understand and respect each other. The recent wars that have resulted in the world for example between the United States and countries in the Middle East have left me wondering whether the lack of respect and understanding of the diversity of culture and societal structure has been causal to these conflicts. I have found myself reading widely on the topics of orientalism, euro-centricity, and afro-centric schools of thought. I have come to learn that some cultures especially in the West have perceived themselves as being superior to other cultures of the world. This has spurred the lack of acknowledgement and appreciation for other cultures.
As a young person living at the height of globalization, I have come to believe that each nation and culture needs the other. There is no single nation that can be able to survive on its own. This integration in the world has necessitated the respect and appreciation of cultural diversity in the world if at all peace and stability is to be a possibility in the modern world. My understanding of the international community and the role of each society to the international system has made me have great respect for other societies and nations that initially seemed inferior to me. I now understand the importance of regional trade blocs that brings countries of North America together such as the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It is through this unite that people of the world can be able to improve their quality of lives so as to make the world a better place for all. My respect for other societies, nations, and cultures has also spurred my interest not only in domestic politics but also in international politics. Initially I viewed politics as a segment of society where power hungry elites in society stripped off the state its resources by enriching themselves. However, my negative suppositions regarding politics have change remarkably. I have come to realize that politics does not only belong to practicing politicians but is the responsibility of the entire citizenry. Legislation and policies are put in place so as to meet and address problems that face the citizenry.
Unless, the citizenry actively participates in the political process of their state, they cannot understand why various mechanisms are put in place. It is through my growing interest of politics that I have been able to spend more time watching news and reading some of the actions that happen both with and without government. I have been able to follow the political climate of the country. Over time, I have felt that it is my responsibility as a citizen to be up to date regarding the political happenings that are happening in my country, It is through the following of the political processes that one can be able to vote wisely and also voice their concern to the political representatives regarding the manner in which different issues are addressed. I have come to believe that through increased political participation, various challenges affecting the citizenry can be addressed through negotiations and getting a middle ground between opposing political factions.
The area that I have witnessed change in my life is the economic life of society. I have come to understand that as members of society, we have a responsibility to play. We have to participate in the economic growth of our country by engaging in economic activities that increase the wealth base of our societies. Governments are there to facilitate as into this process by granting us incentives towards this purposes. It is the realization of this economic responsibility that I have come to have a great appreciation of the working, middle, and upper-classes in the economic welfare of our country. Initially, I thought that it was the fault of people to be poor but in retrospect people in society have different levels of opportunities.
In conclusion, I have over the years realized great understanding of society. I have had a better glimpse of the social, political, and economic strata of society. It is through this realization that I have been able to understand that I have a responsibility to my own culture, society, nation, and the entire world. It is only through this realization and fulfillment that we can be able to make the world a better place.
