1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest
Responsibility, Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That
Means For The Nation
Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
Teacher: Sue Churnside
Jonathan
Moritz Deanne
Heckart
List five likely attributes of the successful role model of the 1950's. List five likely attributes of the successful role model of the 1990's
"The role model of the 1950's was probably nice to everyone, had a
strong moral background, safe driver, responsible for their own actions and had a strong
personality. But not long after the 1950's the role model changed. In the 1960's
teenagers started asking why people had to have strong morals, drive safely and be
responsible. Today the role models are somewhat mixed. Adults still think of
the 1950's role model but many teenagers have a different image. Today's role model
has power over others, material possessions and an element of danger, excitement and
unexpectedness about them"
Deanne Heckart, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
"Five attributes of the successful role model of the 1950's are that
life was not as technical, money wasn't a big factor in life, there was a lot of leisure
time, people worked hard and wanted to succeed, and people took on responsibility for
themselves. Five attributes of the successful role model of the 1990's are the more
advanced technology, people want lots of money without working for it, not very much
leisure time, people try to take the easy way out when working, and people have less
responsibility for themselves."
Jonathan Moritz, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Oregon
According to Mr. Gilder, capitalism depends on what two "universal units?"
"When mankind searches for safety, he is constantly trying to better
his economic position and make life more comfortable for himself. He works harder
and makes the economy better for everyone. Also as he is trying to better himself he
runs into other people that are trying to do the same thing. To be able to get his money
he must be more creative and have a better product than his competitors. This gives
the consumers better products.
Deanne Eckert, Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg Oregon