Using Culture for Good

Culture is the most powerful force in the universe. 

Beyond power and will, beyond love and hate, culture steers our actions. For better or for worse. 

The common psychological understanding for this is that the “lizard brain“ finds safety and security as a member of a group. Cavemen stuck together to fight off tigers together. Not fitting in with the culture meant you would be alone and could get eaten. 

This complex still lives in our brains, even though most modern people don’t have a tiger problem anymore. We feel protection and safety within a culture. 

It’s easy to think of bad examples of cultural influence. High school bullies and peer pressure to totalitarian regimes and genocide. Social status quos have led ordinary people to do unspeakable things. 

It’s harder to think of good examples of cultural influence. Until we remember that every experience we’ve ever had has been because of culture. We’re swimming in culture and we don’t even realize it. Computers and cars and bridges and groceries and electricity and tap water. Everything good comes because of the culture that created it. Everyone gave up a little to make amazing things happen. 

And this happens every day.

Culture exists whether we like it or not. As soon as people gather and communicate and try to accomplish something, roles are established and culture is born. 

Whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish, understanding culture is likely a key to unlocking it. Earning trust and respect within your company’s culture will give you a much better shot at a promotion. Contributing to eco-friendly culture change will likely give your sustainable clothing brand a better shot at success. Understanding the fears and desires of your local culture is the first step to creating political change. 

You can’t dispute culture’s power. But you can understand culture and leverage it for good. It’s the only way forward.