Conditioning is a reflection of identity since it is one of the fundamental ways we learn. We learn some of our morals and values through conditioning. Classical conditioning is a type of learning that happens unconsciously. An automatic response is created by a certain stimulus. Classical conditioning fits into my group’s concept of internal/external perceptions, as it is influenced by outside sources such as family members, events, and experiences.
Conditioning in people is usually caused by outside factors such as parents, events, and experiences. In the television show Toddlers and Tiaras, young girls whose ages range from months to eight years are conditioned to believe that beauty results in wealth. For example, “If the girls consistently learn that beauty is a means to financial gain, then eventually their morals and values will be distorted. Furthermore, they may adopt the belief that pageants and artificial beauty are the only way to make a substantial amount of money”(“Toddlers and Tiaras”).
Conditioning young girls that beauty equals money can be detrimental in the future especially when it comes to mental health. While beauty pageants are said to enhance self-confidence, they have been shown to negatively affect contestants’ self-esteem. They place more focus on outer beauty than inner beauty. As a result, children who are conditioned to hate appearances and become obsessed with perfection are produced. Most young girls will grow out of pageants but the detrimental effects such as eating disorders, body image struggles, and depression will follow them well into adulthood.
“Toddlers and Tiaras.” UMKC Women’s Center, 3 Mar. 2011, https://info.umkc.edu/womenc/2011/03/03/toddlers-and-tiaras/.