Tradition shapes individuals and is a critical aspect in how society reacts to certain goals. Many people tend to be so deeply tied to the traditions they believe in that they are unable to distinguish right from wrong. In “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, it is mentioned how the story of a family choosing one of the members to be stoned has been so significant over many generations that if it stopped even when it was wrong there would be great despair. “Those who walk away from Omelas” by Ursula Le Guin, the little girl in the closet who suffers for the rest even when it is wrong. Beliefs and traditions can be so strong that they overwhelm the mind, to the point that it is unable to make decisions based on one's true opinion to distinguish right from wrong. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayTraditions and cultures should not have such a great effect on the way a person thinks and reacts, but they must have served as a guide to be able to determine life, its function and the different aspects it attacks. The subconscious part of the brain functions without awareness and active control. The suppressed part of the brain works with what was; meaning the beliefs, thoughts and actions that were already implanted by the awakened part of the brain. Cultural heritage is rooted in the mind, which causes the individual's automatic thinking and decision-making system to relate to their beliefs. The subconscious plays a powerful role beneath the mind and tends to feel safe in familiar times and places. “Tradition becomes our security, and when the mind is secure it is in decay.” ― Jiddu Krishnamurti.In the “Lottery” people tended to act according to beliefs they already knew and depended on. With the decision to choose between right and wrong in the subconscious with beliefs, out of fear the brain will react with a flight or fight response. In the “lottery” it was shown that one of the characters, Tessie Hutchinson, despite believing that the lottery was good, took its side. The subconscious, for fear of dying, made her respond with flight or fight, to realize that that certain tradition was wrong. Tradition can have great effects on the mind, but when it comes to survival most of the time it's about risking everything. Culture can have strong holds and it takes great strength and mind to break away from it. A person should be allowed to decide what he wants to learn from certain traditions. In "Those Who Walk Away From Omelas" the individuals who chose to leave decided that instead of staying in a place where tradition is wrong, they went to a place they think is best and shouldn't be about one who suffers for everyone . In a scenario where most people are raised as Christians, many people tend not to really believe in God, which is their choice. Being a Christian means choosing to live life and make decisions based on it, while knowing that this certain tradition does not hurt another being for that to happen. Moving away from wrong traditions does not mean not having cultural humility, but choosing to believe that it goes towards what some individuals will represent. Tradition should only serve as a guide and not as pressure on what people choose to believe. The purpose of tradition was put into place centuries ago to help determine and let people know the context they come from. Tradition and culture are lessons and beliefs that must be taught so.