Reinforced parochialism of internal values and images

The rapid change characteristic of present-day life requires that the internal values and images, with which an individual dialogues in order to make a decision, be enlarged to enable responsible decisions to be made in as wide a context as possible. However, this internal "community" is normally developed so selectively that individual concerns are reinforced and decisions based on expediency are encouraged. Individuals tend to be indoctrinated by the family, educational institutions, communications media and interpersonal relationships, into values of personal psychological well-being, cultural preservation and economic progress.

Whereas the small, traditional associations which are based on kinship and locality are still expected to communicate basic values to members of society, they are not the institutions on which these social functions are based, so that images and social reality do not correspond.

Wider experience does not necessarily provide deeper meaning; one negative aspect of the global acculturation presently taking place is the superficial appropriation of other cultures while rejecting even the creative and positive aspects of one's own culture. This failure to provide global, inclusive and profound points of personal reference is complicated by conflicting loyalties and no sense of belonging to any community. With few, if any, symbols or values beyond the personal or of a global nature, people become desensitized to human suffering, feel that their lives are meaningless, and desire to escape reality. Overwhelmed by the demand to include widely-diverse groups, intersocial groupings retreat into familiar, parochial value schemes and egocentricity. Although such values are easily understandable to even the simplest observer, they are nonetheless totally divorced from the actual situation and present day requirements.