Mary takes her eight-year-old, Johnny, to the store to buy ice cream. She asks him to choose what ice cream flavor he would like. Over time he learns to tell his mother about his personal likes and dislikes. Every time his mother responds to his decisions with encouragement. Over time he learns that he can and should be able to express himself.

People often wonder how to know what is true. For example, questions like "What?" and "How?" are asked more than "Why?"

Strong egos – feelings of pride and importance are attributed to status.

Susan is the president of a large manufacturing business. Although she is in a position of leadership and authority, she takes a “hands-off management approach” to her employees, and meetings provide a participatory, democratic engagement process.

"Old boys' club" mentality, although this may still exist.

Tabitha is 22 years old and moves in with her college boyfriend, Randy, to an apartment near her parents. Tom and Susan, Tabitha’s parents, are excited that she is able to be independent and to live on her own.

Xioli is Tabitha and Randy’s friend from college. She is Chinese American and wants to move out of her parents’ house. Randy and Tabitha have offered the second bedroom space for Xioli in their apartment. Xioli’s parents think she is too young to live on her own. They also think it is a sign of disrespect to them if she, as a single woman, lives with a man.

Talking too much about yourself.

A history teacher gives a lesson on the Bill of Rights to her students. She explains that everyone has individual rights and liberties. Sahara is a student in the class. She is thirteen years old and a recent immigrant from Somali. She learns that she has individual rights and to the disappointment and frustration of her parents, her behaviors begin to change at home. She comes home late from school, she stops doing her chores, and she talks back to her mother. She says, “I can do whatever I want. In this country, I am free!”

People are expressive and are allowed to show anger or emotions, if necessary.