Oooooookkkaaaaayyyyy....
I will try to express this as broadly as I can.
Early indoctrination...
Let’s start out with a couple definitions from Webster’s online:
• Doctrine
1. something that is taught
2. a principle or position or the body of principles in a branch of knowledge or system of belief : dogma
3. a principle of law established through past decisions
4. a statement of fundamental government policy especially in international relations
• Indoctrinate:
1. to instruct especially in fundamentals or rudiments : teach
2. to imbue with a usually partisan or sectarian opinion, point of view, or principle
Teaching young minds a partisan set of principals is nothing new. Early indoctrination is a form of social control (and power).
Hitler did it
The Russian Communists did it
The Chinese Communists did it (and still do)
The Romans and Greeks did it
Militaries do it
Terrorists do it
Heck, even our American politicians do it (Young Republican movement, anyone?)
AND… (and this is usually where I lose folks) religions have done it for centuries, and continue to do so to this day (there are no exceptions here).
Indoctrination is most effective with young minds because they are open and impressionable, and the teachings have a higher chance to persist over time. Why? because with time, we get stubborn about changing, so we are less likely to cast off our early learning experiences for new ones.
Also, our society tends to engage in a paradoxical practice when it comes to education. We tell our young students to ask questions and encourage inquisitiveness. But on the other hand, we don’t like it when the answers we provide are challenged. Basically, we encourage “open mindedness”, but we squash critical thinking.
A few people will question. A few will change their minds. A few. But by then, the indoctrination has already begun with the next (4 year) generation. This is why we are still fighting social indoctrinations regarding race, gender, religion and lifestyles. Because until the few become a larger minority, with a larger voice, the indoctrinations will be perpetual.
So… until the minority of vets who have cast off the conventional wisdoms... they who have donned their critical thinking caps…
Until they band together and start teaching younger generations how to do the same, the Pet Food Companies’ indoctrinations will prevail.
(whew!)
.