1993-1994 Harry Singer Foundation National Essay Contest

Responsibility, Who Has It and Who Doesn't and What That Means For The Nation

Teacher: Sue Churnside

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Harrisburg High School, Harrisburg, Oregon

so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes) Jonathan Moritz   so00629_.wmf (4070 bytes) 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

          

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