Individualism In The 1970's

Throughout history, the United States of America has often been described as a “melting pot,” meaning a place where many different types of people blend together to form one, unified nation. If this description of the United States is accurate, it is crucial to ensure that all of these different individuals are able to live in harmony with one another. This is especially true at the collegiate level of education. In the last few decades, liberal arts colleges have made it their mission to increase diversity on their campuses. Diversity comes in several forms, particularly class-based and racial. This undertaking is one that should be prioritized at colleges across the country. There is significant evidence that diverse college campuses produce stronger, more intelligent individuals. With diversity come enhanced social development, stronger critical thinking skills, and heightened self-awareness. These features produce stronger individuals, thus strengthening the community at large.

The focus of an individual on personal improvement was an idea that came to life in the mid 1970s. The exhaustion of alliance, whether with political parties, labor groups, or social classes, was leading people to turn inward for improvement. With this self-exploration came a sense of selfishness and people began to focus on their needs and interests instead of a larger group. This obsession with the self and the effects of an entire generation caring about themselves are explored in Tom Wolfe’s 1976 article in New York Magazine. In this article Wolfe shows the pervasiveness of this “Me Decade” through various lenses. From a labor perspective, Wolfe examines the vanishing of a collective working class and the creating of a more tiered system. From an economic perspective, any prosperity allowed people to turn inward instead of spending time on collective gain. Finally, from a social perspective, the counterculture approach to self realization also added to the “Me

My interest in Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. sparked when I met Sheila Hudson. At the time I had no idea that she was an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. What I saw in Shelia Hudson was a smart, accomplished, proficient women who completely shattered all of my preconceived expectations of what I thought a sorority girl was supposed to be like.

America has had a tumultuous existence, replete with war, progress, and ideologies. The most formidable of these is individualism, or the shift of society’s focus from the group to the individual and a growing emphasis on their personal needs and desires. Despite wide criticism, it has become the societal norm, spanning all generations, genders, races, and walks of life.

To begin, I am Delancy Elizabeth Anderson and I am more than honored to potentially have the opportunity to become a member of the Yazoo County High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. Moreover, it shows me that I have academically, mentally and spiritually excelled through my years of high school to be a part of something bigger than myself -- National Honor Society. Seeking membership into National Honor Society will not only solidify that I am a diligent student, but the renowned program will shape myself into a greater me. To declare, I am a noteworthy candidate for National Honor Society because I withhold the four standard-the program strives to exhibit -- scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

My journey began when The Deron School hired me as a paraprofessional. I learned so much about myself in a classroom setting of diverse learners. First, my strong qualities, such as patience, flexibility to change, and positivity, were simply demonstrated for this position. I have witnessed staff members resign due to stress from unpredictable circumstances. However, I can simply understand the rough days which strengthens my performance to find a solution. Since the students are learning at different levels, I work with each one to achieve academic skills; in addition to recognizing issues, encouraging socialization and independence. Also, I have earned the title as a Registered Behavioral Technician through training, exams, and BCBA observations. Applied Behavior Analysis is very useful while managing behaviors that interfere with learning. I am invested in knowing the needs, weaknesses, strengths, and fears of all the students. A trustful bond will lead students to feel valued in their abilities. As a paraprofessional, my goal is to

Good morning students and teachers. I honestly can't believe I've made it through my last year of schooling here at Southern Cross. Throughout my senior English studies, I have realised that individuality is something that is unfortunately lost amongst the trends and expectations of a developing society. Especially in regards to adolescents, I believe that it can be incredibly difficult to maintain a sense of independence and uniqueness in a society where everyone is expected to conform to the majority. Over the last two years, texts such as “The Kite Runner”, Shakespeare's “Othello”, Robert Frost's “Into My Own”, and the film “The Breakfast Club” have definitely inspired me to be myself and to stay true my own beliefs.

Something so simple as the hairs that grow on my head has had a significant impact on my life. No, this is not a story about my hair making me want to become a hairstylist; my hair had a different impact on me. An impact that allowed me to find my true self and realizing the things that make me different and special.

What if there is one activity that can benefit students in every school across the nation? An activity that helps students to raise their grades and scores on standardized testing? An activity that allows students to form lasting friendships? An activity that will help students become more disciplined and confident? Would you let your child take that activity? It is very likely that you answered yes to one of these questions. Who doesn’t want the best for their children? Luckily, this “activity” is accessible almost everyone. Unfortunately, many schools will not make it a part of their curriculum. This “activity” is something that everyone is aware of, but easily neglected. This activity is music.

The utopian society in the Brave New World can be compared and contrasted between our contemporary society using individualism, community and the human experience. The fictional novel by Aldous Huxley, published in 1932, is about a utopian society where people focus stability and community over individuality and freedom, but an outsider is introduced to intervene with the operation of the utopian state. In the contemporary world, people need to show individuality in their communities in order to survive, and to be human, one must show emotion, which is the opposite in the Brave New World.

America’s identity is defined differently by every individual. Ideally it was to be a place of freedom and acceptance, identified by its message of liberty and hard-work, however the question arises whether America is a melting pot in which only one culture dominates or it a mosaic of many peoples’ histories. America’s potential and true identity lies within its ability to assimilate and create a natural individualism despite race, class, and immigration standing.

America, one of the most diverse countries, is populated with thousands of college students. Each college student’s reason for attending school is based on his own idea of the American Dream. The American Dream, as defined by John Smith, founder of Jamestown, is the idea of opportunity for success in America. The Academic, the Athlete, and the Well-Rounded Student are all examples of American college students who take advantage of the American Dream.

George Orwell wrote 1984 to show the destruction a totalitarian government can have on one’s individualism, as shown by Winston’s experiences in the book. By creating such a story, Orwell alludes to several totalitarian governments in reality, such as the Khmer Rouge, Viet Cong, and most infamously, the Nazi Party. These regimes, including the Party in 1984, all strip away one’s individualism by means of torture, poor conditions, or violence.

I am pursing a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about education and excited to share the joy of learning with students. The perspective of wonder and sense of excitement that children bring into education motivates me daily. Teaching can leave a lasting impression in a child’s life and offers a special opportunity to shape the bright young minds of future generations. While many professions can be impactful, I believe the qualities of the person in the career position to be the most influential. The integrity I possess and genuine character I have reveals my authentic positive outlook on life. I aspire to be the voice that encourages students to obtain a life changing education that will aid them in their journey. I desire to be a teacher that takes time out of my day to have meaningful minutes in a student’s life and to represent the picture of a positive role- model. I hope to leave a lasting impact by creating a caring atmosphere that allows students to express themselves, discover knowledge, and obtain their fullest potential confidently!

Meaghan Ramsey's TED Talk "Why thinking you're ugly is bad for you" is a powerful speech about low body confidence. Ramsey talks about how society's pressure to be perfect is one of the main reason for young girls' (and boys') low body confidence and how these feelings of low esteem can impact their lives and futures. I chose to analyze this speech because I have experienced low body confidence and I have felt those feelings of low self-esteem. In Meaghan Ramsey's speech "Why thinking you're ugly is bad for you", she discusses how low body confidence is undermining academic achievement, damaging health, and limiting the economic potential of today's youth who are growing up in a world of social media.