Dead Poets Society Post

The movie the Dead Poets Society is the quintessence of how non-conformity can effect and drastically change a community, such as Welton Acadamy Prep School. When transcendentalist beleif is brought into such a school that prides itself on tradition, honor, and discipline, change does not mix well into the solution. Staying true to the virtues that the private, all male school stood on, they provided a uniform and constructive environment for their students. When the new English teacher Mr. Keating arrives things begin to change for his accustomed and regulated students. He teaches them to think for themselves, and to take pride in what they believe. However, his non-conformist ways begin to upset the order and routine of the school, angering his fellow co-workers.  Unlike Mr. Keating the rest of the staff at Welton differ slightly, even in their looks. They believe that discipline and order is key for the development of intellectual and intelligent men. Although expressing oneself is very important in the growth of an individual, the boys at Welton were not there to discover themselves. Their parents have paid enormous tuitions to the school so they could see their child prosper in life. However most of these parents do not realize that prospering in life is not completely based on how much money one makes, but that one can be able to express oneself as an individual and feel comfortable doing so.  Mr. Keating understood this, but one man was just not able to stand up to an entire school.

The danger in Mr. Keating’s non-conformist ways show when the boys begin to act. As brave as I think Mr. Keating is I do not think that Welton was the right place for such transcendentalist beliefs. One man tried to defy the years of tradition at Welton by challenging not only the students, but the entire school board and community. Parents sent their children to Welton because they wanted the structure and discipline that Welton provided. They wanted to see their children graduate to Ivy League colleges, and quite frankly they did not care about what their sons saw for themselves. When such expectations are held in place from birth it is nearly impossible for one man to change the beliefs of a whole community. One example of non-conformity gone awry is the tragic death of Neil. As he absorbs the ideals of non-conformity that Mr. Keating presents to the class he strays from his set path. Not understanding the importance of individuality that Mr. Keating has taught Neil, his father forces him into an unsatisfying life. Once Neil understands that there is no way out he is convinced that suicide is the only way out. Only then will he no longer have to pretend to be something he is not.

Modern Day Transcendentalist

In the modern age it is hard to stay true to oneself especially for those in the media spotlight. Resisting the urge to change on the behalf of another person's judgments or beliefs takes courage. Today one can look at Selena Gomez as a modern day transcendentalist. She encourages others to look inside themselves and accept who they are, emphasizing not to change oneself. In her song “Who Says” Selena stresses how important it is to be an individual. She also tells her audience that no one else can tell them who they are, only they have the power to do that. In her song she sings, “I’m sure you got some things you’d like to change about yourself. But when it comes to me I wouldn’t want to be anybody else.” This shows that Selena is comfortable in her own skin and happy with who she is. As a non-conformist Selena embraces her individuality and shows gracefulness in doing so. She also sings, “I’m no beauty queen, I’m just beautiful me.” The message that she passes to listeners is that everybody is beautiful in their own way and to accept oneself.

The moral that I can take out of this song is to respect others and respect yourself. This song relays a very important message to millions of listeners. I consider Selena a transcendentalist because she is accepts herself and tells millions of people every day to accept their self as well.

In an interview Selena tells a reporter, “I was the never the girl who thought I needed to make sure I look like all the other girls. I think you look best when you stand out.” This embraces a non-conformist philosophy that a real individual can stay true to their beliefs in the middle of a crowd. Through expression through song Selena represents non-conformist philosophies and proves herself a modern day transcendentalist.

http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/4039819.Selena_Gomez
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Walden Essay

Progress ultimately benefits society by advancing ways of life. Progress benefits certain aspects of life by creating more efficient means of living. Wherever there is a desire for improvement progress will continue to be made. Such improvement is positive for society. Within a population progress will continue to be made, making it almost unavoidable.  Progress advances the world and simplifies everyday living. Progress benefits the people rather than hurts them. Progress is good in that it helps the development of a civil and advanced society that will be able to preform to it's highest ability.

Progress in the development of a society is one that Thoreau strongly argued against. In his book Walden Thoreau denies progress and development. He says, "Our life is frittered away by detail" (Thoreau 119). However, detail is what defines the fine line between efficiency and deficiency. Progress in the creation of new inventions provide efficiency and quality. One example is the advancements in technology. New technology provides a quicker and easier ways of communication. Gadgets such as the iPhone have greatly enhanced communication and have become assistance to day-to-day life. Progress in technology have improved communication from letters which could take weeks to receive to instant contact to almost anywhere around the world. Progress provides society with greater and more efficient means of living life.

An example of positive progress is the evolution of transportation. One may look no further than their own front door. The development of roads and cars as a main source of transportation is a great improvement from the old fashioned horse and carriages. Even the development of roads back in the 1700s compared to the roads today prove that progress creates efficiency. There very few roads that connected point A to B, and those that existed were almost not navigable. Today, through progression and improvement roads are used by millions of people everyday that provide an accessible and direct route. Railroad systems, trains, buses, and airplanes are examples of the progress of transportation systems has enhanced and benefited life. Thoreau argues, "But if we stay at home and mind our business, who will want railroads"(Walden 491)? However if one never leaves home their entire life they will miss joy and activity found in life. Progress in transportation has provided the world with efficient ways that benefit travel and enjoyment.

Ultimately progress helps to improve the quality of life. Progress eliminates unnecessary challenges and provides the path for a higher quality lifestyle. Without progress the world would be very inefficient. This would make life harder on society, the economy and overall the people. Progress in life is inevitable to some degree. Progress comes from the vision of improvement. Progress is good and helpful because it advances the world and provides a better way of life.