People are becoming more and more wrapped up in themselves then they use to be and more worried about providing for themselves and their families; with no time for group involvement. With that being said, I have chosen this picture as my multimedia option. This may look like a typical climbing photo but, I do feel this really connects to Tocqueville ideas on civil associations and how it relates to today's society. I feel what Tocqueville had to say was completely relevant to his time and age but not at all today. In the photo that I provided, the person is striving up a rock and there is no know end to this rock, and he is doing it alone. This person much rather go through life alone and constantly strive for excellence, to reach the top. I feel like that is why civil associations are no longer appealing to people today. People much rather worry about themselves and become successful on their own, then gain their acceptance and success through a group of people. This is one of the many reason as to why the idea of civil associations that Tocqueville discuses is really no longer relevant.
It's a curious thought that maybe there are just fewer "in-person" civil associations today. There are massive social networks and groups (Facebook,Blogging,Online games,etc)that connect people. Maybe before the Internet was up and running that some people would join a bowling league just to help find a relationship? Now, we have dating sites for that. I just wonder where the origin of the supplys and demands are for these groups of past and present. Sorry if that's foggy, I'm not the most articulate. I did like the picture though. People don't reach out for much help anymore and you're idea of them taking care of themselves made me wonder if it's becasue they dont want to have to return the favor, in short.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts on civil associations. I would say that I do agree that the trend seems to be moving away from civil associations. It is saddening to think that people would rather talk online, or hide behind keyboards, instead of joining clubs, organizations, and committees. It's interesting how as we move towards a time with less face to face interaction, we are all beginning to grow independent of each other. I of course do not see this as a good thing, because I feel a sense of community is natural, and essential for us to succeed. I can't really think of anything to improve on this, or questions I may have...but maybe it would have been nice to see a little data of some sort. Like to see numbers to go along with how the trend is straying from civil associations.
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