Over the years I have heard the statement “product of your environment” or “victim of your situation” I have pondered what that really means and is it true or is it hogwash. So I did a little research in the most expert way. I GOOGLED IT. Here are some statements I found. And I will respond to each. This is my opinion and not factual.
It means you behave a certain way because you were surrounded by a family or culture in which that behavior was common or accepted or natural.
It means that the person you are is a direct result of how you grew up. The “environment” you were brought up in influenced the decisions you make now.
A victim of your environment would be someone who is thrown into choices, ways of life, discrimination, or other events because of how they grow up or what they are around. For example, most black teens growing up in poverty neighborhoods are more likely to be shot because of the people and events going on around them. Likewise, they are more likely to grow up and become like the stereotypes of their neighborhoods that make it a bad environment in the first place (drug dealers, felons, thieves, etc.)
I believe everyone has a choice to fall into the “pattern” of the environment and those around them. But it is also your choice to be “stuck in the rut” I know it may not be easy but we all have the choice to better ourselves and change our path. At the time that I went in the Army most of the people that lived in the low-income area I lived in just got a job at the local fast-food place, went to the community college and settled down locally. But I knew I wanted better for myself so I worked hard to get in the Army.
I feel that it is each person perspective of how they view their lives and their surroundings. It is each person’s choice to break those chains and not be identified by their surroundings. Take Care. Much Love
