Kinsley High School
Kinsley, Kansas
Teacher: Dr. Galen Boehme
The Connection
By JT Horacek
12th Grade
I can effectively connect to my community by understanding individualism, practicing democracy, and participating in institutions.
Understanding individualism is a vital part in developing a community. Individualism is claiming my God-given rights as an individual. With individualism come complex issues. Throughout the world community, we encounter several important issues such as abortion and the death penalty. Every country in the world has different standards concerning abortion. Some countries may be pro-choice, while other countries may be pro-life. In the United States, the appointment of the latest Supreme Court justices has brought about several questions concerning abortion. Justices John Roberts and Samuel Alito are much more conservative than what lawmakers were expecting from the appointments by President Bush. South Dakota has recently outlawed abortion, which brings about the question, “Could abortion be outlawed throughout the entire country?” Abortion revolves around one’s idea of ethics, just as the death penalty [does]. The death penalty issue is the same as abortion; different countries have different standards. The United States is faced with the exact same issue; some states allow the death penalty, and others have outlawed it. The question on many individuals’ minds is this: Is the death penalty humane? We are all individuals, so therefore we all have our own sense of individuality. We all have the right to express our individuality, no matter what others may say. We ask for respect from other individuals, who also have their own individuality to express. Dignity is also an important factor when it comes to individuality. We should all feel worthy, honored, and esteemed. We should not see dignity as something that will make us better than another individual. We have all been created with equal rights; however, we all have our own individuality and character. Working together will help us create a sense of family in our community. A community has so many different personalities, which will create a diverse family. With so many different ideas on how to improve the community, we can all make a positive difference in our community.
Practicing democracy helps us to understand our rights as individuals. The national government is to protect our individual rights. Our forefathers created the Bill of Rights to strengthen individuality within the United States. The colonists under British control had a limited say in government. The colonists left Great Britain to escape oppression and discrimination, only to have oppression put upon them once again in the colony. They fought for less interference from the national government, so that they could express their individuality. Therefore, the creation of the Bill of Rights established freedoms of religion, speech, and much more. Political parties have a tremendous impact on a community. The Republican Party has based itself on less government interference and more business. Conservatives want an economy. When conservatives make up a majority of the Republican Party, economy is very important to its members. Business is important to conservatives, while liberals want culture. Liberals and members of the Democrat Party seek more from the government. They want the government to support individuals, instead of individuals supporting themselves. Culture is also very important to liberals, as they do like change. That is why in the United States, we are allowed political parties for individuals to express ideas. Government can, at times, be seen as the root of all evil. Individuals do not appreciate their individuality being struck down by government. Government can be seen as destructive and constructive. We should work together with the government to keep away from the destructive path. We all want to be able to treasure our individuality in the future.
Participating in institutions keeps us working together. Many institutions are formed on a matter of opinion. We are granted the right to express our ideas. A well rounded education can form even better opinions, therefore an even better institution. People come together to form an institution. Individuality plays an important role in the forming of an institution. The variety of individuals brings many different ideas. The government can play a key role in participating in institutions. Institutions welcome participation from the government. At times, an institution may be formed as an idea from the government. The government may provide funds to start the institution. The government should also be able to recognize limitations as well. Some critics feel like the government is a threat to the institution. The nuclear family can also play an important role in the creation of an institution. My nuclear family is heavily involved in the institution of ranching. I have been around cattle and horses since I was a small child. My family has worked very hard to create a name for ourselves in the ranching industry. My grandfather bought a small ranch and turned it into a much larger and profitable ranch. The family ranches involve the sectors of farming, ranching, hunting, and even government programs such as CRP ground. We all lend a helping hand to keep the family involved within the ranch. We work together to keep our institution going.
People develop a sense of community when they can achieve together. Understanding my community will help me understand the term better. I must understand individualism, practice democracy, and participate in institutions to develop my own sense of community.