Collective Desire
When I think of collective desires in American society, one that pops into my mind is selfishness. Although this is not a trait we all wish to posses, it is a quality that is inherent in the personalities and lifestyles of many. Our culture is defined by individuality and self-interest. Competition is a characteristic of not just our nation, but our world, and in America, competition holds hands with selfishness. They cling to each other and when you find one, you usually find the other. Most people will do just about anything to get to the top and they are concerned with only themselves. They will push aside friends, family, and sometimes even themselves to obtain success. Success, however, is not defined by fake friends and deception but rather by self-respect, love of true friends and family, self-worth, a sense of fulfillment, and genuine happiness.
An example of this collective desire in television is reality shows. Although the situations in these shows are sometimes scripted and the relationships are sometimes staged, what they represent is accurate. In shows like The Apprentice, Americas Next Top Model, MTV’s The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, and others, the members compete for money. They will stab their friends in the back for financial gain. I was watching the Real World/Road Rules Challenge and one of the episodes showed an engaged couple fighting because they were on to different teams. The show (in actuality, the money) was tearing them apart.
Another example of selfishness in television is Cashmere Mafia. This show premiered recently and in the first episode, there was a dating couple who worked for the same company. They became engaged on the same day they learned they would be competing for the same job. They did not talk and competed for days. She received the job over him and he could not handle her success and the relationship ended. The two were to self-centered and concerned about their own selfish desires that they let someone close to them go. Love should never be forfeited.
Many people are raised to be concerned with only themselves. Parents want their children to be successful and they push their own needs and desires onto their children. They are happy if their children are the best at what they do (whether it be soccer, basketball, a CEO, or a teacher). It does not matter if the child is happy, as long as they have money. I hate watching the youth grow up like this. I am sad to be a part of a selfish generation. We are each our own “heros” but our own worst enemies as well. We can destroy ourselves but also make ourselves. I feel like I have my values and priorities in line and the top 3 are my family, friends, and self….truly. This needs to be the truth for so many more if they want to achieve genuine success. Our society, our nation, and our world, would benefit from having a less selfish America.
4 years ago • Notes