Humans being social are known to have groups in which they interact and share their experiences. This observation can be found in other social animals that use grouping for the benefit of members such as protection surveillance, mating, and other activities that would be difficult if carried on a solo basis.
However, in humans, society groups have been used for different purposes to fulfill the desires of members. To enable the assembly to work together, there are fundamentals that have to be put in place that guides each member in what is required of them. These guides are crafted in a constitution or a set of rules that should be adhered to. Members of such groups organize events or programs that they undertake as a group or individuals. Most assemblies in modern society have been formed due to a desire to assist the members in their day-to-day lives. However, not all the groups help the members and society at large as some are self-centered thus infringing on the freedom of others.
Humans have groupings that are different based on age, gender, career, and other social distinctiveness that unite the assembly. An individual has the choice of which assembly he/she feels will satisfy their desires and will join and abide by the regulations of the group. Moreover, this can occasionally be different as some assemblies are not by individual choice but a push by an outside authority. Humans tend to resist this kind of groupings and participate with sloppiness. Societies such as the Russians use communism to govern the people. The Russians have no choice but to follow the rules of the government whether they like them or not.
To governor control humans’ dictatorship has been used as in communism, democracy as in the United States, religious belief as in Islam, and associations as in clubs. Communism has been practiced in Russia and China for decades, Islamic fundamentalists have also existed and democracies have grown around the world. Organizations and institutions use clubs to cater to individual desires. These types of groupings differ in the way the individual is expected to operate and benefit. All these groupings seek to achieve a common goal but in her book Prisons We Choose to Live Inside, Lessing, p72, thinks that in the long term the war will go to the democracies, the flexible societies. This is the belief I attest to as well.
I was a part of the white water rafting and hiking club for some time where the experience was somewhat of benefit to me. In Sierra Panthers, my club I could see that democracy prevailed when it came to adventuring into the activities. However, the duties that helped us protract our club such as taking care of property was left to the individual to see what was best for the club. Our constitution dictated to us how to behave and what limits were restricted. In order to operate and undertake the club activities, the leaders used psychology and social class to direct members to participate. For example the leader would say that if he could do it so could the others. The leader could also use his position to make the members feel diminished by speaking with authority, although consensus was used regularly to create fun which was our intention.
Most members of the club Sierra Panthers had a courageous attitude to explore. Personally I was laid back and got it rough when activities got more intense. I along with a few others felt minor to the rest of our colleagues and usually observed them enjoy themselves. I was driven by fear of getting hurt in the activities and opted to be one of those who took less risk and hence had less fun. This cost me the club’s leadership but I was content with my membership.
Later, the Sierra Panthers club expanded to include activities such as picnics and indoor games. The club constitution required the members to have club meetings to air their views. These meetings assisted as the leader allowed opinions from members on how to attract more members to the club and I together with others proposed the adoption of activities that would encourage others to join. Debate was carried out and the results were positive. Our patron occasionally urged us to be responsive to other people’s requests for membership and change the scope of activities to accommodate everybody. The club leaders heeded the call and in a meeting it was resolved that expansion of activities was necessary and should be taken up. I was obliged to be given the position of organizer of events; this gave me more zeal to perform club duties.
Sierra Panthers now had an equal ratio of gender representation and choice of activity. This caused the group to expand and we went on international trips that enlightened members more through networking and exchange of ideas. My appointment as the events organizer allowed me more confidence and my self-esteem was high. Sadly I had to depart from the club due to change of residence. I lived far from the club area and could only visit once in a while.
I have noticed change in the Sierra Panthers club with number of membership decline. The cause can be attributed to poor leadership as the pioneers were no longer there to guide the club. Those who were left with the mandate of leadership focused on other activities at the expense of the core that put the club busy together. They could hold parties, raffles and other indoor games at the expense of the adventure nature found in the root of the club. The authorities also have had budget constraints that resulted in change of activities. The lack of finance from the authorities and ingenuity from leaders paralyzed the club’s actions almost to a standstill.
Sierra Panthers club was an example of progress in human social growth as it encouraged members to venture and find their talents while having fun. The association helped members to be responsible and self-indulging in activities creating leaders and upright citizens for the country. Through the networking members have had vital contacts that help in economic, social, and political exchange of ideas. From the observation it is evident that our group has done more good to the members and those around it by increasing knowledge and economy. Student exchanges with neighboring countries have led to cultural imports and exports resulting in a world that is aware of itself. Other clubs have emulated our example and are doing a good job. But just to quote Lessing “it is my belief that it is always the individual, not groups in the long run, who will set the tone, provide the real development in a society” (Lessing, 72).
The Sierra Panthers club could not be all rosy; the repercussions experienced were on the increased pressure on natural resources to sustain the exponential population growth. An example can be cited on the real estate that sprung to great heights causing mushrooming of houses all over even on areas set aside for recreation. Crime rates had also increased with incidences being witnessed. Garbage disposal and other waste materials have had a negative impact on the environment. Nevertheless, this has also created employment for the members and the neighboring community.
The music industry in America has had exponential growth after starting off with people coming together just for entertainment in the neighborhoods. States like New York have many artists and the music industry brings substantial amounts of revenue to the society there. The individuals who put rap music on the charts developed a large industry that has sustained many. These artists had a vision for local production and earn locally, but this changed with their works being sold in faraway countries in Europe and other parts of the world. Rap music started off as individuals airing their views on life situations in the neighborhood and a mix with other music journals gave the speech melody and rhythm. The industry has been used to advertise and create employment for many. Recently the presidential campaign got the attention of the youth through this music urging them to vote. (Lessing, 1986)
We can sum up the discussion about human groups by two things. Top on the list is that though many groupings have come up trying to bring up change it’s only those who practice democracy that will win the race. The second most important thing is that though these groups are forums for propagating change at the end of the day it will be about individuals. No single group can put into someone the desire to change unless the desire comes deep from the individual.
Work cited
Lessing Doris. Prisons we choose To Live inside. 1986. Anansi.