The Reptilian always wins

Through Dr. Rapaille's analysis of the imprinting stories- those accounts written by the research subjects describing their first experience with quality- the basic structure that underlies all the different versions of the archetype imprinting can be exposed. The common story goes like this:

"A young child in the company of other children and adults is given a task to perform (e.g cutting a picture, reading aloud...). She is happy to do this and begins confidently, unaware of the difficulties involved. Then something goes wrong. Perhaps she gets stuck and cannot finish the job or she finishes but comes to know that it is not right. She has failed and realizes that she has not met the expectations of adults. She cries, she's upset, ashamed. She realizes now that she did not know exactly what to do or how to do it. But someone is there to comfort her (a teacher, grandparent) and tells her it's Okay. He tells her he cares about her, that she is special, and he knows she will get it right. He doesn't tell her how to do it, what he provides is confidence. This nurturer, or a different person, helps the child master the skills or knowledge necessary to do the job. The child tries again and succeeds. Everyone is happy is warmly congratulated. She feels good about herself for what she has learned and proud that she succeeded in overcoming the difficulties."

The imprinting story reveals the archetype for quality in America.What is called quality, then, is actually the process of growth, the struggle against difficulties, the transformation or change to a better person. It is serious business: Making the breakthrough involves a risk, sometimes even danger.

Once one grasps the quality archetype, it is easy to understand the success of such blockbuster movies as "Rocky" and "The Karate Kid". These movies, with their story of the underdog who becomes a champion, contain all the elements of the quality process: the challenge or seemingly unreachable goal, the initial defeat with its humiliation and pain, mentors and coaches who provide moral support and training to get to contender ready for another contest, and the final, emotional championship and jubilant celebration. These stories resonate with Americans because they tell their stories. Everything rings true because, from the time they were youngsters, this is the way they have transformed from someone who fails to produce quality to someone who is a quality champion.