It Takes a Village

2/3/2020

It takes a village to raise a child and through socialization they become unique and personalized. Each and every individual possess qualities that are solely their own. The world tends to focus on the negative; what is wrong and what will go wrong. When individuals see this negativity, in TV shows, news articles, social media, and everyday life, they tend to focus on it as well and confine the unique areas of their personality.
The countless individuals that raise children have a monumental impact on that child’s life and help determine the person they will become. Social influence has both positive and negative impacts on everyone’s life. For children, they want to feel loved and belong, if they are rejected and broken by those around them, they will lose their sense of self and be confused on right and wrong, not understanding their personality or their abilities.
What are some of the worst ways the world suppresses uniqueness? At what point does a child lose their innocence? Why is it easier for children to have confidence than adults? What are some of the unique attributes that you possess? Do you find it hard to have confidence and stay positive from day-to-day?

36 Comments

Erykah Foss

2/8/2020 02:53:55 pm

When someone uses the phrase “I don’t see color,” they probably explaining how they do not hold prejudice or they are against racism. What they do not realize is how it can suppress other races. In her essay titled “Why The 'I Don't See Color' Mantra Is Hurting Your Diversity And Inclusion Efforts”, Janice Gassum, the founder of BWG Business Solutions -- a company designed to help businesses foster more inclusion-- and a senior contributor for Forbes, expresses her beliefs:
To say you don’t see color is a misnomer… If you are conducting training to help individuals move past their racial biases, it’s important to understand that the goal is not to be color-blind. The goal is actually to see and recognize skin color but to control and regulate your innate impulse to make decisions based on such characteristics.

A child loses their innocence when they are exposed to the harsh reality of life. Children usually assume the best out of life. However, after experiencing things that can harm them, they realize that the world is not as safe as they thought. As we get older, we believe there is a standard that we must meet in order to be accepted in society, especially teenagers. This lowers our confidence since we worry about being good enough for others. Children do not have these expectations because they have little experience with the world. They do not understand the stress and responsibility of contributing to society.

I would like to believe that my musical abilities make me unique, like how I was the only student from Salmon to go to the All-State music program. I think that I am similar to most people when it comes to confidence and positivity; some days are easier than others. Overall, I am a positive and optimistic person, and my confidence is average.

Faith

2/9/2020 01:51:48 pm

I really like your ideas about being color-blind and how we should recognize people for who they are but not base your decisions on that. Society contributes to a large portion of losing our innocence.

Aiden

2/9/2020 02:40:45 pm

I think that when children are exposed to the world they understand that everything they see isn’t good and there is hardship and difficultly in this life. This causes them to be prepared for the world as they age. I think losing ones innocence is necessary.

Madicyn

2/9/2020 04:11:27 pm

I agree that losing ones innocence is necessary. If children, and people didn't go through this change they would stay oblivious to the real world and the dangers it holds. They'd be naive forever.

Kately

2/9/2020 05:53:25 pm

I agree. The world is a complicated place, and can shape people. When do you think is the pinnacle of a person’s character arc? Does it depend from person to person?

Erykah

2/9/2020 05:59:40 pm

I think it depends on the person. I believe some people are static, like some characters in books. But, most people keep learning and communicating to develop their character to their potential, whether it takes a few decades or a lifetime.

Faith

2/9/2020 01:49:53 pm

One of the main ways society distracts from one's uniqueness is grouping people based off of appearance and stereotyping them. Society has almost always stereotyped people into specific groups which immediately distracts from their own individual characteristics. This generally affects them in a negative way.
It is hard to say when a child loses their innocence and not every child loses it at the same time. However, I believe a child loses their innocence when they experience or witness a moment in their life that scars them emotionally. For some this may be parents getting a divorce, losing a family member, or getting stuck in bad situations.
Staying positive from day-to-day is easy but other days are harder. It depends on what is going on in my life and how much stress I feel. When I feel stressed or upset, I will often let it get the best of me and be more quiet and less energetic. Depending on what had happened, sometimes I will get like this for just a day, or a few days. Eventually, I realize I can't dwell on things that had already happened or what will happen and begin to feel better.

Aiden

2/9/2020 02:36:09 pm

The way you cope is similar to mine. I feel sorry for myself for a little while then I am able to snap out of it and be thankful for what I have.

Paige

2/9/2020 02:57:11 pm

I am glad that you noted scarring moments taking away innocence. Once a child is exposed to negative views or situations, they begin to lose what makes them a child.

Brax

2/9/2020 03:18:35 pm

When you do have the more rough days are there certain things you can do or think about that can make you more happy and able to get through it better?

Madicyn

2/9/2020 04:13:48 pm

Do you think losing ones innocence also depends on the person? Something that may be emotionally scarring for one, may not effect another nearly as bad.

Ezra

2/9/2020 05:20:46 pm

True af

Alyssa Farnworth

2/9/2020 05:32:07 pm

What ways could each of us retrain our minds to not think in the ways we have been taught and to just see people as they are?

Aiden

2/9/2020 02:33:55 pm

Society attacks uniqueness by promoting conformity. It’s cool to fit in and be liked by your peers so you must be as normal as possible to achieve that. There is so many negative emotions that people have towards the weird person and because of this no one wants to be that guy. A child loses there innocence when arriving at school. This exposes them to different child who were raised differently and are subject of their home experiences. They rub off on each other making kids want to impress and grow quickly to be adults and have power. They no longer have the naive desires of children but want to be adults. Children have more confidence than adults because they don’t know any better. They have no insecurities and just desire to do good. They have good hearts and care little about themselves.

Unique attributes I have are my ability to take criticism to better myself, my patience, and hard working personality. Confidence is really something I’ve struggled with throughout my life. It’s important to understand self worth and how everyone is amazing. I need to understand that I’m doing well and need to keep going. I would consider myself an optimist. I cope with problems through humor and my family and friends. This allows me to stay positive when life is difficult.

Paige

2/9/2020 03:01:44 pm

Do you think children are forced to lose their innocence and uniqueness in order to fit in and be accepted by society?

Brax

2/9/2020 03:21:17 pm

Do you think people fully lose their innocence? Or maybe that no matter what there is always a small bit of it that controls are actions.

Tori Weir

2/9/2020 03:42:40 pm

When the child goes to school, do they lose their innocence slowly over time? Or do they lose it rapidly when they interact with other children?

Ezra

2/9/2020 05:23:32 pm

I think that you are correct, but there are some people do not conform to what others think. Usually those people are outcasted. This further proves your point.

Brax Kauffman

2/9/2020 03:12:30 pm

The main way that the world suppresses uniqueness is by having some skills or talents be more important by societies standards. Almost everyone had something they are exceptional at yet sometimes it does not match what is popular or considered useful in modern era. The problem with this is that it forces whoever the person is to make a tough decision. Should they continue to specialize their own specific skill because it is what they excel at or should they drop it since it is not as favored by the people the are around. Now sadly, majority of the time people tend to suppress their unique trait which is usually the wrong decision. Sometimes, a persons unique talent could be worked on enough to the point that it becomes more useful to the world than anyone would have thought. When this happens it is amazing and it has the possibility to bring joy to many people around the world. Confidence is key when it comes to these circumstances as it allows the person to take the leap and brake off from the norm. Someone does not need to be overflowing with confidence in order to do something great. There only needs to be enough to get them to start moving forward.

Tori Weir

2/9/2020 03:38:52 pm

It is interesting how everyone has their own talents and uniqueness but feel pressured by society's standards. It could be, as you said, how the society's standards forcing them to make the decision to suppress it or make the mark of expectations. What could be some of the reasons why they decided to continue working on their special talent instead of stopping?

Kately

2/9/2020 04:22:15 pm

I agree, as Einstein would put it, you cannot tell the worth of a fish on its ability to climb a tree

Alyssa Farnworth

2/9/2020 05:30:23 pm

Society is the general public, so if that is true wouldn't all of us choosing to do as we wish solve the problem of people not reaching those standards? Why, if we are capable of getting rid of the standards don't we?

Tori Weir

2/9/2020 03:27:19 pm

It is really easy to be suppressed by the world, especially as a child. One of the worst ways it is done is by stereotyping people and putting them into groups. This causes people who view them as a whole and not notice every one of them has a talent. Another way is not realizing and acknowledging a person’s uniqueness. If everyone does not pay attention to a person’s talents and skill level and acts like it is not there. Then that can cause the person to think negatively and believe that they have nothing special about them.
Every child is different when it comes to losing their innocence, because of their upbringings and what they face. I believe a child loses their innocence when they experience something drastic or life-changing that it forces them to open their eyes and realize that the world is not safe or happy. After experiencing the life-changing moment, it changes the child of how they act and think. As we grow up we expose ourselves to the outside world and it can be influenced by that negatively or positively.
Some of the unique attributes that I have would be being honest all the time and having a lot of patience. Growing up confidence was something that I have always struggled with. Even now I find it hard to find confidence, but I have always found a way to push through and look on the bright side of every situation. Although there are some days where it is hard to find positivity because of stress or being overwhelmed.

Madicyn

2/9/2020 04:09:12 pm

For many years, I think social media had a very large impact on individuals ability to be themselves. Any media, in fact has had negative impact on people's ability to be confident in themselves. Thankfully, in more recent years, this has changed and people use media and social media to promote differences and unique personal traits. Children lose their innocence at all different types of ages, depending on their lives in general. Their experiences, and home life will effect this greatly. It all depends on what they are experiencing at whatever age. As soon as they witness or go through something that is not positive, or creates some sort of trauma, I believe they begin to lose their innocence. Kids are capable of keeping confidence, because in most cases, they haven't been told or abused in mental or emotional ways by themselves or people around them yet. It took me time to become confident on who I am, and what I look like, and now I try my best to push my little sister to be confident in all she does.

Faith

2/9/2020 05:05:13 pm

I think that it is great you are trying to build up your sisters confidence. How are you guiding your sister to do so?

Andy Gebhardt

2/9/2020 05:26:12 pm

I agree that it has changed a little bit but I think it is also very prevalent still. People want their online friends to see the good parts of their lives and think they are “cool” or “perfect”. Very rarely is someone’s negative side shown on social media. Why do you think that is?

Sabrina

2/11/2020 08:06:50 pm

I would also like to know what you learned that you are trying to keep your sister from experiencing or that you want her to experience.

Kately

2/9/2020 04:21:03 pm

Children have a threshold of unprejudiced behavior that is broken over time. Hatred is taught, it’s an ideology that is entirely made by adults. Children often lose confidence in themselves when they become adolescents, only to relearn it later on. The harsh reality of the society we live in is difficult to become accustomed to.

Ezra

2/9/2020 05:19:52 pm

I think that celebrities are responsible for making people for suppressing uniqueness, but not on purpose. Whether they like it or not most people work to become people they look up to like celebrities. Some people copy their mannerisms, or the clothes they wear. They see celebrities as great figures, but overlook the fact that they are their own person. Looking up to an idol starts usually at childhood. As children grow up they lose their innocence too many things, such as a death in the family or some other harsh thing the world has to offer. Children are more confident because they do not know any better, and usually act from their first in stinks. Like now I look back at things I did and just cringe hardcore. For the next question my answer is No.

Andy Gebhardt

2/9/2020 05:36:07 pm

First off, good answer to the question. Very concise and to the point. I agree that celebrity impersonations are misleading because even celebrities do not lead perfect lives. In fact, many live very tough lives, but do not show their struggles.

Erykah

2/9/2020 05:48:35 pm

It's unfortunate that we look up to people (mostly celebrities) based on looks, but I find myself guilty of this on occasion. It makes me wonder what the world would look like if we looked up to intelligent people who has new ideas. Would we all be smarter or try to become smarter? Or would we suppress ourselves because we do not think we will ever achieve such intellectual greatness?

Sabrina

2/11/2020 08:05:55 pm

I see this somewhat differently, I think we think that we can't be like celerities because they are too different. They are the ones, if any, that ca be as unique as they want without being too criticized for it.

Alyssa Farnworth

2/9/2020 05:24:08 pm

Uniqueness is expressed in a variety of ways which means that it can also be suppressed in a multitude of ways. These are usually when a person's individuality, or whatever it is that makes them unique does not fit within the standards that society has set for itself/each other. Social media plays a big role in this as we can communicate with and see people in places we would never have been able to before. It is easier for children to have confidence because they do not understand the pressures to look or be a certain way yet and they are taught that whatever it is they choose to do in the future will be successful. Most people will not judge a child the same way they would an adult or teenager.

Innocence is lost at different times for everyone. As we have all learned in the past two years innocence has a different definition for everyone some people may have the same basic idea of what it is but all of the tiny details do not align. Losing one’s innocence can also be a positive or negative experience. Losing it too young can affect someone’s life forever either way losing it changes a person it allows them to grow or can keep them back either way it is necessary to our existence in due time.

Confidence and positivity are important to maintain, they will not make you successful but it can be a guiding force in it. If people are confident in their ability they are more likely to not follow the standards set before them and do whatever it is they wish to.

Erykah

2/9/2020 05:55:54 pm

It's insane to me how much social media has changed humanity. We have always created standards for ourselves because society tell us it is necessary, and this issue has skyrocketed since social media evolved into our everyday lives. How would we be different if social media never existed? Do you think it's a necessary form of communication?

Andy Gebhardt

2/9/2020 05:34:07 pm

In regards to uniqueness in society today, I believe a lot of people change who they are based on the people they are around. In one group of people, the person might be outgoing and social but in a different group they are shy.
Individualism is changed in these instances because a person is not sticking to their core beliefs and acting how they usually do. This leads to contradicting views of a person’s character and when that happens a person can feel out of place in both groups. Being unique and different from other people is an idea of confidence in this situation. They are not comfortable with themselves and so want to fit in instead of showing their own personality.
People that change based on their social setting are frustrating for me. I change to some extent but my beliefs and the basis of how I act never do. This quality is helpful for me because no matter what group I am in I know who I am and what I want to do. It has taken time to become confident in different settings but I believe it is part of growing up and being around different situations.

Sabrina

2/11/2020 08:04:05 pm

Society suppresses uniqueness by laughing in it's face when it shows itself. People are like chameleons, blending into the safest environment around them. People want to be loved and accepted and so they will become what they need to be in order to achieve this.
As children, we have not been hurt by the world as much. We do what we want because our parents don't laugh at us, our siblings are used to us, and our peers are at the same stage. Once some kids start identifying who they are or want to be, others feel pressure to do the same. If they do, they might be accepted. If they fail, they are laughed at and permanently damaged by the occurrence. There are those, however, that are naturally the "acceptable" personality. These people set the standard and get used to being comfortable. If they are challenged in this comfortable state, they lash out, causing the pain of those that haven't found themselves. There are also those that choose to be themselves anyway and society deems them weird, socially awkward, and not worth anyone's attention.
As we get older, we learn our self worth or just stop caring about other peoples' opinion because people are really stupid sometimes. It is getting easier as I get older to embrace my uniqueness. I don't try to look amazing every day, I make dumb jokes, and I have different standards than the majority. I faked my confidence until I made it. It also helps to have a best friend that supports you and doesn't let you feel alone.

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