Harriman High School
Harriman, Tennessee
Teacher: Nancy Newcomb

 

 

My Role

 

By Randi Peterson

10^th grade

 

 

The world changes everyday, bringing in new technologies and advancements. In many ways life is becoming easier, but in others it is not. Today we are able to cure diseases, reduce manual labor, and improve transportation. We have all these luxuries, but are people genuinely happy? You may have everything you could ever dream of, but I don’t think your life is fully complete unless you have some joy in it.

 

Many homes across the country have invested in means of security. It is great that we have this, but we shouldn’t need to buy it in the first place. Why should people have to use their hard-earned money to buy hundreds of dollars worth of security equipment?  My grandma says she remembers the days when they didn’t even have to lock their doors at night, but today is a different story. Over the years, more and more people have become greedy and violent. There are thieves and gang-members all across the country.  Innocent people are being hurt everyday. The worst part about it all is, nobody really knows how to keep it from continuing. How do you break people from a habit like crime after it has become a part of their lives. It seems like after the troublemakers have been seriously talked to about the situation they would want to try and quit, except it is harder than you think. It is kind of like smoking; only a few of the determined ones can actually stop, the others depend upon it. Most of the criminals have grown up with or been influenced by the people who commit crimes. All we can do if the people don’t change is to lock them up and get them off the streets. If bad situations are not out there for children to see or be a part of, then it is less likely for them to grow up and violate the law.

 

The best way to keep violence out of our lives is to try and prevent it before it ever starts.  First, you need to recognize why the situations occur. It seems like the main source of it all is money. Most thieves steal because they don’t have enough money to buy things they want. Gangsters and drug dealers kill or are either killed themselves because of money. Not all, but a lot of the troublemakers come from poorer parts of town. If people had more money they could live in a better section. Another problem is that too many people let their children run loose. They’re able to do whatever it is they want because no one is around to tell them not to. Eventually they’ll run into the wrong crowd, or maybe even get kidnapped. You can’t trust anybody these days; you never know what will happen. I’ve decided one of my main parts in helping to keep our communities safer is to make a big impression on my kids and to try and teach them to stay away from and out of trouble. I am going to watch them when they’re out playing to make sure they’re safe. I am going to make sure they grow up with good values, morals, and friends. I am going to be with them through out their whole life to make sure nothing happens and that they’re successful. There is not much I can do about the way other people choose to raise their children, but to hope that they do it in the best way they can. All the kids really need is the right guidance. If children are not around or introduced to abuse, drugs, or violence, then there is less of a chance that they will take part in any actions related to them.

 

There is too much hate in the world today. Where I live there is not much consideration for others and a lot of backstabbing. One thing I believe would make the world better is kindness. I just wish everyone could get along and not have so much criticism. I know at times there are going to be ups and downs, but we should try not to be too rude to people.  It’s better to have friends and feel good about yourself than have enemies. Plus it will be helpful in the long run. Being nice to people also makes them feel good. It could be going to visit a nursing home or even just family. Also, thinking about the sick and poor people who need help and donating to them is a way of showing you care. You may not know how much it affects people, but just smiling at someone can brighten his/her day. I personally try and be nice to everybody no matter who they are or what they’ve done. I will continue doing so. Whenever you’re nice to someone, then they’ll be nice back. It feels great to know you are liked. I am not sure why some people let their reputation or popularity get in the way and affect how they act, but I know for a fact that eventually they won’t be as happy with themselves. When they get out in the world without their friends, they won’t know how to impress others. So why not start showing some consideration; others will want to be around you and you will feel good about yourself.

 

Doing one good deed can help change the world, even if it is just raising your kids with a little bit of concern of their lives ahead or just being friendly. It is better to add one kind, trustworthy, and successful person to this world than to add one that might take your own life from you. Just show a little care and give everyone love, because that is the one thing, beyond all circumstances, that will improve the quality of your life.  It could even help change the world. 

 

Answers To Questions Regarding The Required Reading

 

Answer  to Question 1

            In the U.S.A. people invest in stores, factories, and export companies.  Manus invests goods such as dog’s teeth and shell money for an initial betrothal, which is later paid back in pigs and oil.  The marriages that are stable have greater prestige, as Manus tends to not back someone divorced.

 

Answer  to Question 2

            Times Married  Years With Current     Advice  

                     2                         9                      love one another and have commitment

                     1                         18                    strong family values

                     2                         8                      being able to talk to each other, be friends, l

                     1                         15                    good communication

                     2                         18                    good communication

                     2                         14                    deep admiration, honesty, respect

                     2                         8                      love each other, good communication

                     1                         44                    love each other, work together

                     1                         44                    love each other, stay in church, obey vows

                     2                         20                    trust in the lord w/all your heart

 

Answer  to Question 3

            Our goal should be to dematerialize society without reducing quality of life.  Personally, I think people would be happier if we didn’t expect for people to have material things.  People could be more like themselves without having so much pressure on what and what not to have to be accepted.

 

Answer  to Question 4

            My community goal is to help the few that try to improve our environment.  There are some that try to help but they aren’t making that big of a difference.  If we started cleaning up our town it might encourage others to clean up theirs.  We need to reduce liter and just work together to get this place clean.  I don’t want to ruin the earth because of carelessness.

 

Answer  to Question 5

            I don’t believe a doll could ever take the place of a child’s mother. I think that with any kind of doll, the child would be the more motherly one, because they take over the responsibility of taking care of the doll.

            In the U.S. families are determined by wealth (haves). As the number of minorities continue to grow, the future will depend on whether the nation is able to close the gap between have and have-nots.

 

Answer  to Question 6

            Lawyers are helpful in a democracy because individual rights are important. If there weren’t lawyers there would be more regulations.

            The diversity and size of the U.S. means there are many different races and customs.  Lawyers help make sure these people are represented fairly.

            The wealth of the U.S. has caused society to be more concerned with issues beyond basic needs.  Lawyers will help with this.

 

Answer  to Question 7

            I prefer punitive damages because the government is involved with regulations.  I don’t want the government to have a lot of authority on our individual lives.

            One alternative is for people to take more responsibility for their actions.

 

Answer  to Question 8

            There are advantages from the retirement of Baby Boomers that might benefit society.  When Baby Boomers retire, more jobs will become available.  Young fresh minds will be employed with newer and more creative ideas.  More computer-literate and more people with knowledge of today’s world will be able to carry out advancements of on technology.  The retirement of Baby Boomers will allow a generation of well-educated kids to take the lead.

 

Answer  to Question 9

            I don’t think Clinton’s program will have much impact.  He may be able to help some companies but it doesn’t guarantee success in the future.  I don’t know if he’ll even follow through.  He’s a big liar, but also many other people have been down this road and not much has been accomplished.  Some people have brought themselves out of poverty, but there are still many places where people haven’t.  Another thing is, the country doesn’t have much money that is backed up by gold to give out or we wouldn’t be in debt so much.

 

Answer  to Question 10

            Truett Cathy and Tom Lewis had many things in common besides a good heart. They both have family values. They both worked hard to achieve their goals.  They also want to help the children with their education and futures.