Individual is shaped by the environment

Humans are brought up and grow up within a specific culture determined partly by language and geography.A positive way to look at it is human nature is changeable and an individual has the option to choose how he likes to live.In other words,the ability of humans to do or be whatever they wish is limitless.
   Conversely,some argue that humans cannot change their conditioning and they act out,carry out behaviours which are entirely shaped by their upbringing,and cultural constraints.This brings forth another paradox,why is it a group of children born into the same family and with the same cultural conditioning can have such vastly different personality traits and attitudes?But in nationalistic behaviours,humans tend to believe strongly in their own way of being.This sets up the idea that one set of values is intrinsically superior to another set of values.Differences in viewpoint are not valid if one believes that their own cultural norms and values are the only norms and values.
      If a different culture has different values and the two come into conflict,then the defense of those values embodied in culture may lead to serious conflict.They come into conflict as a result of one culture holding the view that they have the right to impose itself on another.
      Dire consequences may arise between nations,countries,potential business partners and individuals as a result.Some detrimental aspects of culture are fuelled from extreme nationalism and patriotism.In the extreme,these notions give rise to war and to the idea that it is appropriate to wipe out a people who have a culture different from one's own.An understanding of differing cultural viewpoints is essential for world peace and also for international business dealings.
   There are several indicators to understand cultural differences among different societies:
:power distance index measure the degree of inequality in a society
:uncertainty avoidance index:the index measure the extent to which a society feels threatened by uncertain situations
:individualism index:measures the extent to which a society is individualistic or communalistic
:masculinity index.It measures the extent to which the dominant values are assertiveness,money and things(achievement) versus the femininity index based on relationships