Unmasking Influence: How Cultural Norms Shape Power and the Self in U.S. Society

I have recently written several articles about power and control—this article delves deeper into that reflection.

When you dissect layered concepts like power and control, you quickly find that the lived philosophies, narratives, and actions are based on complex dynamics—the interplay between many factors, including societal systems, organizational structures, cultural norms, family dynamics, and individual psychological influences.

In what is quickly becoming a norm for me, I was playing around with ChatGPT using the following query: "Act like an expert and research the top 4 factors that determine power in U.S. society and culture."

I wanted to explore the concept of societal inferences and norms as they relate to power and control in U.S. society.

The responses from ChatGPT about the top four factors that influence U.S. society probably won’t surprise you. The responses were as follows:

Power within U.S. society and culture is shaped by several key factors that influence social dynamics and access to resources. Research and sociological theories provide insight into these determinants:

1. Social Stratification- Social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals into social classes based on factors like wealth, income, education, and occupation. This system determines access to resources and opportunities, thereby influencing one's power and status within society.

2. Cultural Capital- Cultural capital encompasses non-economic assets such as education, intellect, style of speech, dress, or physical appearance that promote social mobility in a stratified society. In the U.S., cultural norms and values often favor certain identities over others, granting those who conform to these norms greater societal power. For instance, individuals who align with mainstream cultural expectations may find it easier to navigate social and professional environments, thereby enhancing their influence.

3. Media Influence- The media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and discourse through agenda-setting. By determining which issues are highlighted and how they are presented, the media can influence public opinion and policy decisions. This power to shape the public agenda underscores the media's significant role in determining societal power dynamics.

4. Political Institutions- Political institutions in the U.S., including the government and legal systems, play a pivotal role in the distribution of power. Studies have shown that policy decisions often favor the interests of the wealthy and powerful, suggesting a concentration of power among elites. This concentration can influence legislation and governance, affecting the broader societal power structure.

I have bolded some words in each factor above and would ask you to reflect on how you factor into that as an individual—is this aligned with what you truly value and believe in at your core? Does that resonate with you?

And if it doesn’t, then I would ask you to reflect on the following question: Why are you complying with and advocating for that definition of power in your society? (That is, if you live in the U.S. and are reading this.)

I can already hear you reacting, telling me you’re not complying with it—but if you are radically honest with yourself, is that really true? The population of the U.S. (checked again, lol) is 346.8 million people, and each of those individuals is making choices every day that support that definition of power in our society.

Think about it for a minute—what builds an empire? Fealty and loyalty to a cause, whether by outright action or by being complicit in compliance. Even every choice for non-action is just that—it is still a choice. A proverbial kneel that builds momentum in its own stagnancy—steadily adding bricks to a faulty foundation.

So I ask you, who do you fundamentally want to be?

I believe that true power is forged through fire—being awakened enough and radically honest enough with yourself to truly know, at a core level, who you are—and to live completely aligned with that—every choice, every action.

And I believe that true power is when you are self-sovereign and liberated enough to show up exactly as you are, sans any masks that systems suggest should be modeled—becoming total authenticity.

When you peel away the facades, ego, need for validation, emotions, judgments, and pretense, the factors that currently determine the power base in U.S. society no longer apply. Without those, true power looks like:

Truth

Honor & Respect

Self-Accountability & Integrity

Equanimity & Love For All Humans

Abundance, Peace, Justice & Freedom

When you achieve that true power, you are seated in yourself with complete mental clarity and mastery. You have the character and strength to stand up and do what’s right, even when it is complicated. You don’t comply with an empire you don’t agree with—you lead by example in ensuring everyone has self-sovereignty, liberation, freedom, and peace.

So I will ask again: What is power? Let that guide you in acting on who you think you are.

And just because it seems to fit—and to indulge myself—I will close with one of my favorite poems by W.B. Yeats:

A Coat

I made my song a coat

Covered with embroideries

Out of old mythologies

From heel to throat;

But the fools caught it,

Wore it in the world's eyes

As though they'd wrought it.

Song, let them take it,

For there's more enterprise In walking naked.

Walk naked in truth with me, my friend, and reclaim your power.