Money, Power & Respect

9/24/2012

Are humans, at our cores, interested in exercising power and status over others? Does everything we do—the way we construct our appearance, the jobs we get, the colleges we attend, the people we marry, the activities we engage in—have status and power at its root? Explain your reasoning.

Nick Casablanca

9/25/2012 09:24:37 am

I do not feel that this is totally true about humans. There are some that feel are better than others and try to exercise their power over us and there are some that do not. Personally, I believe that all of us are equal, no matter how smart anyone is, how rich someone is, what sport they play, what school they attend, etc., etc. Just because of what you do does not mean you are better than anyone else. Of course it may be cool to people that you attended a prestigious university or that you have a high paying job, you are still the same at the end of the day. A point that I am trying to get at is that don't have such a big head when it comes to your social status. It's not right to judge people based on where they are and it's not right to say that you're better because of what you have. Again, I feel it is down to what any person is like to say that they exercise their power over someone, but no matter what it is just wrong and no one should do this to anyone.

Amanda D

9/26/2012 05:30:53 am

Although you make an good point how everyone is equal, I am almost positive not all believe that statement. This is why social groups are formed. People who have the same mind set tend to group together, whether they are shy and voiceless or powerful and eager to be noticed.

Andrew Lynch

9/26/2012 01:32:36 pm

I liked how you mentioned we are all equal. I think people often forget that we are all human, and individuals try to look down on others as if they are better, but we are still all human beings. Therefore how can someone be considered better then others.

Steve Mahoney

9/27/2012 09:58:03 am

I really liked how you said everyone is equal. Not everyone thinks that way, but we all should. Why can't we all just get along?

Christina M

9/27/2012 02:54:45 pm

I agree with Amanda. I do not believe that everyone is equal. I think people find other people who have things in common and like Amanda previously stated create groups. I wish I could think that everyone is equal but I think having more money, education, etc. makes life unfair and the complete opposite of equal.

Shayne Fitol

9/25/2012 11:59:47 am

I believe that some humans, but not all, have a desire for power that influences the majority of their decisions. Greed can be a very strong motivator if you allow it to be, and in some cases it can control you. But I don't think you can say that every single person has a root need for status. Was Jay Marshall, the man from Brennen's news story, the man who risked his life by making it onto "the pile" after the September 11th terrorist attacks, doing that because he wanted to exercise power and authority over others? Or was it done as an attempt to save any lives he possibly could? If he truly wanted to gain status or power or notoriety, wouldn't he have done something much easier? And safer? Couldn't he have simply, I don't know, given food/water/clothing/etc. to a homeless military veteran? That would surely have made the news. Maybe not the national or world news (although that bus driver who gave his shoes to a homeless man certainly did), but it definitely would have caused a splash locally in Connecticut. It just doesn't seem logical that Jay Marshall could have possibly been driven by a selfish greed while trying to help out the victims of that terrorist attack.
But then not everyone is like Jay Marshall. There are people out there who want fame and fortune and the status and power that come with it. And there are people who abuse power when they come into it just because they can or want to. But even with those people, I don't think you can say that everything they do, every decision they make, is due to a deep down desire to have power and control. Take Floyd "Money" Mayweather, Jr., the extremely egotistical (this is not merely my opinion, it is well documented), undefeated boxer who is on top of the list of highest-paid athletes in the world, and who has also been in jail and charged with domestic violence and other felonies multiple times, as an example. Now he certainly bases a lot of his decisions off of his desire for wealth, fame, and status. But what if he was to, and I know this is cliché, hold a door open for an old woman with no reporters or cameras or fans or enemies around. Would that be to gain power or status? Could he gain power or status from that if no one saw him do it? Or would he have held the door open because it was the right thing to do, not to satisfy his inflated ego? Now granted, who knows if Floyd Mayweather, Jr. would actually open a door for someone. He may not even open doors for himself. But people still do hold doors open for other people sometimes. It's not an entirely lost act of chivalry. And maybe some people do it to be noticed and improve their social status or whatever, but a lot of people do it simply because it is a nice, courteous gesture. Nothing more, nothing less.

Rob Costigan

9/26/2012 11:32:36 am

There's no way anyone can top that. That was literally the greatest example of both sides.

Katheryn Byrnes

9/26/2012 12:43:13 pm

I really liked how you went and linked one of our class decision to your answer.

Nick Casablanca

9/26/2012 01:17:49 pm

That's an awesome point about Jay Marshall Shane. I wish I hit on some of the points you put in your blog. Definitely agree, a lot better than what I wrote.

Danielle o

9/26/2012 02:11:39 pm

Shayne, you brought up really great points. I really like how you recognize both sides of the argument. I definitely agree with what you were saying about the guy who risked his life to save others during the 9/11 cleanup and how if he wanted attention that badly he would've done something less dangerous.

Kyle Blake

9/27/2012 06:33:02 am

I totally agree with you Shayne. Not everyone is looking to be powerful.

Jackie Ortiz

9/27/2012 11:53:07 am

You really made awesome agruements and I agree that not all people do it for fame and fortune. Way to go Shayne!!

Richard Katrenya

9/27/2012 02:05:46 pm

You are completely right Shayne. No, not all humans are consumed by the power of greed and full of selfish desires, but they are the majority in this world, and it is sad to think that slowly but surely, people like Jay Marshall will soon cease to exist because the majority will have taken over.

Amanda D

9/25/2012 02:12:10 pm

Without question, humans engage in activities and build their portfolio to hold themselves supirior to others. In other words, very few people do things only for a good sake or to better themselves. As many people know, no good deed goes unrecognized. Although I support this, now-a-days people expect aknowledgement for every positive thing they do. It is almost as if people take advantage of good oportunites because they do it for the wrong reasons. The more attention people grab the better status they will have, or so they think. I strongly believe this is the motivation powering most of our population, especically in a high school environment. I am one who chooses not to voice an opinion, but would much rather observe how others act and speak. I have grown to detect when people do things for the good of themselves or their social status. It is quite evident though how high school is just a ruthless competiton agiasnt all students. The way we present ourselfs, the speech we use, the university we attend,etc., all are based on how others will percieve us. To hold yourself higher and to achieve more than others is unfortunatly what keeps people going. Morals and self perseverance have somehow gotten lost in society.

Kaitlyn Carey

9/27/2012 10:50:14 am

I agree with what you said about how too many people do things for the wrong reasons, only being helpful or generous when they gain something from it.

Rob Costigan

9/26/2012 11:49:34 am

This week's topic really goes back to the always-interesting topic, Nature versus nurture. I personally believe that it is how you are brought up that decides how desirable power and authority are to you. For me, power and authority really aren't that important to me. Being considerate to others is what matters to me. If you have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression on anyone, you better hope it's the best one you can gibe them. Who knows, maybe some day down the road you'll need them in a tight spot or an emergency situation when no one else can do it. When you start applying to colleges and meeting people that can provide you with a great four years of college life and an education, always be humble and respectful. Somebody that tries to excercise their power and authority in an abusive way, say Tiger Woods and his, like, ninety-five mistresses, you don't deserve respect. Now on the other side of the coin, If you are someone like Tim Tebow and influence young children to carry traits such as passion, a good work ethic, faith, and love, and constantly give back to your nation and your community, you deserve the highest level of respect. That's why I look up to him. He's not the best player, or the fastest, or the biggest, but he has the hardest work ethic in the NFL, and his success from his unbelievable sacrifice to the game he loves is the reason why I work as hard as I can in the sport I love. He has made an impact on my life, and I thank him very much for that.

danielle obanner

9/26/2012 12:49:59 pm

I feel as though humans, as a whole do choose colleges, clothing, sports, job, etc, in order to exercise power over others. Everything you do is to put you ahead of another, you don’t work your hardest at a sport every day to have fun, you do it to be the best, you don’t go home and do homework for hours just to be an ok student, you do it to be the smartest and ensure that you’ll get into the best college. People don't go out and buy new shoes or new jeans just cause they want to, they do it to look good in front of others.
If you honestly believe that humans aren’t interested in exercising power and status over others than you are extreme optimists because as humans we are built to be competitive and want to be the best. If this were not true than money would not run our country like it does. People don’t go to college just to go; they go so that they can get a better job than someone who didn’t. The better student you are, the better athlete you are, the better looking you are, the better your job, it all makes you THAT much more powerful than the average Joe.
Even if you aren’t aware of it, people do like being more powerful than each other. It’s become a subconscious thing, the more you drink the cooler you are, the tanner you are the prettier, the richer the more friends, in the end it all comes down to being better than someone else. It is how we were taught in school, too. For example: Superlatives : BEST hair, BEST smile, FUNNIEST, MOST physically fit. These are all adjectives describing why someone else is ahead of others, they sure aren't describing what an decent athlete is or what a person with an sort of nice smile is. Even in the classroom, teachers don’t want you to be an ok reader, or an ok writer; they want you to be the best writer or reader because being better than someone else will make you more successful.
I strongly believe that we all act like this, I know I do. I hold myself to a higher standard than I would others, and I think that’s how everyone should be. There is nothing wrong with wanting to be powerful, or having a higher social standing. In this world money is power, and with money comes social status. And in order to succeed you have to have one of those components.

Meredith

9/26/2012 02:10:33 pm

I completely agree!!

Shayne Fitol

9/27/2012 08:42:48 am

I like what you said about working hard at sports and how humans are competetive. I also agree with what you said about going to college, because most of the time, it is about getting a better job.

Christina Buswell

9/27/2012 09:23:39 am

Danielle, I completely 100% agree with you. As much as I would like to believe that we do what we do for ourselves only and to build character, it just isn't true.

Dan Mott

9/27/2012 09:35:22 am

I couldn't agree more, Danielle. People have truly become insensitive, cocky leeches that suck the morale and life from America's capitalistic society. Be who you want to be and that's it!

Chris Faber

9/27/2012 11:58:07 am

Well said Danielle, your examples were very true and definitely strong points.

Victoria Marino

9/27/2012 01:10:55 pm

Couldn't agree more with you Danielle. You hit every point which needed to be said in order to fight this side. It is all so true and could not have said it any better.

Amber Murray

9/27/2012 10:37:06 pm

I agree completely with you too.

Alyssa Ferreone

9/28/2012 06:10:29 am

Danielle, you re so right with the money is equal to power idea. I totally agree with you

Haley Krivensky

9/26/2012 12:57:53 pm

I believe that almost everything we do in our lives has power/status at its root. Sure, we do things just because they're fun or they make us happy, but most of the things we pursue in life are meant to secure a successful future for ourselves. We try to go to the best colleges so that we can get a rewarding job with an exceptional salary and excessive benefits. We dress in a way that portrays us as someone wealthy and self-sufficient. We want to fit in with others so we conform to certain things such as the clothing we wear, languages we speak, areas we live in, jobs we get, etc. That set aside though, we want to live out our "American Dream" just like everyone else in this country does. For the record, not everyone has the same exact idea of what the American Dream is, but most of the U.S. wants the typical life that is conveyed in this one universal dream; a nice house, a large family, a fancy car, a high-end job, a happy and free life, and so on. It is true though that some people are more power/status hungry than others. These people will literally do anything to acquire more money, have the most power, and sit at the top of the food chain. Whether that means marrying someone because they're rich not because you love them or lying to get where/ what you want. Regardless, most people have an important motive behind their life decisions which is usually power or status.

Dan k

9/26/2012 01:00:11 pm

Humans, in my opinion, always have something inside of them that does not exactly have to do with power. They desire self-achievement or something that they think will make them happier or better. Since not all people want to be powerful or the best at something, the answer to this question, to me, can not be yes. Although I believe that all people have do not have a desire to be the best, I think that the jobs, sports, and other activities are mostly based on getting something to bring more power into the holders hands. The way everything is set up in this day and age is that opportunity is given, but only those who are good enough can help their cause. What I mean by this is that with currency and value included in everything we currently do, it makes it almost impossible not to be power hungry and concerned about your status. Since many people who run our government and many people in our society are so concerned about these things, it starts to intrude on those who try to live the way they would like to.
2nd time at 8:00!

Jeremiah Burr

9/30/2012 12:10:45 pm

I agree with you. Humans don't have to crave "power" but do desire a happiness in their life

Katheryn Byrnes

9/26/2012 01:16:15 pm

There are some people out there who completely will do stuff just for the 15 minutes of fame. They went to show people how 'important' they are by getting themselves in the paper or news. The ones that make it into paper or news they start to get annoying and those people believe that they are the ones that are completely important and not the cause that they are promoting. These people are going to be the ones that will marry for a better place in life or more money, they will not be marring for love. There are even some people who will choice there college and degrees based on how much money they will be able to make after college.
Not all people are completely like that thought there are some who will do things just for themselves. Some people, like me, will be going to college and choosing their degree on what they think is important or what is interesting to them. Not every human alive is a shallow person who only does things for greed. Some actually care what people do and what happens to them. People want to seem popularly so they will make life decision based on the want to become famous or rich.

Andrew Lynch

9/26/2012 01:27:59 pm

I believe that there are humans that do have the desire for power, but there are also those that do not. In any kind of activity, whether it is games, sports, knowledge, and even war, there is always a group of people who will not be happy unless they are the absolute best. They will work relentlessly until they are at the top just so they can have the little bit of pride and respect that comes with it. But others are just happy where they are. They do not need others recognition to be happy. They will do what they want to do, work where they want to, and just enjoy life. For both types of people though I feel that there is someone inside that doesn’t really care about there status. What causes a fire fighter to run into a burning building? What causes a police officer to engage in a high speed chase? What causes a soldier to run into combat when everyone else is running away? I don’t think status is even in the picture during those situations. What causes these people to do what they do is a respect for one and other. Not themselves.

Zach Antonio

9/27/2012 09:08:22 am

I think you're right Andrew when you said that people can be happy in many ways, whether they like having power or not.

Tim Osborn

9/27/2012 10:44:58 am

Andrew, I totally agree with you. No matter where you go you will see a group of people who think they are above everyone else. It will be very obvious to you because of how they carry themselves. If someone is bragging about something challenge them because they think they're better, but never challenge the quiet guy in the back because he will probably make a fool of you.

Justin Leone

9/27/2012 02:07:55 pm

You have a good point, Andrew but I think that at some point in everyone's life, people try to gain a status or some sort of power, no matter how small it may seem.

Katie Mitchell

9/27/2012 02:27:29 pm

I completely agree with you. I like how you brought up fire fighters and soldiers. Those people risk their lives everyday and they are not gaining any power or status from it. They are doing it for themselves, and to help others.

Camille Glasow

9/26/2012 01:37:05 pm

Although I do think as humans, we naturally are interested in having power and status over others, it is not the root for all human behavior. For example, while wanting to get a better job, or get into a good college will look impressive to other people, accomplishing these things can lead to being happier, more self assured and self accomplished. Many will want to construct their lives around what other people will find impressive, but the true root of many of our goals and needs comes from our self motivation in wanting to be happy with who we are as a person. However, someone who is unhappy with their social status, appearance, etc, may turn to what looks good in other peoples eyes instead of their own. I think that not only having power is important to us, but being happy with ourselves, being well liked by others and just being good enough in our own eyes are important factors.

Meghan Giannettino

9/27/2012 12:22:23 pm

I agree Camille that people want to have these accomplishments to feel happy with themselves.

Meredith

9/26/2012 02:10:11 pm

Since the beginning of time humans have been in competition with one another. It's human nature. I believe it's natural to have competition within the human race, it's really the only way we will advance. Someone tries to "one up" someone else and that's when the competitive cycle begins. It's unrealistic to say that you don't want to be the best. Everyone wants to be the best. That's why everyone tries their best. If there was no competition between humans then there would be not point to excel in certain things. It's sad but true. This topic is very relevant to us seniors; especially during this college process.We try the hardest to get into the best schools, and that's completely reasonable. Sometimes, however, the line is crossed when it comes to love. You always hear stories about people marrying into wealthy families just for the fortune and fame and that's sad. You shouldn't have to cheat your way to the top. If you want to be at the top you have to work hard. But everyone has motives for doing everything.

Kristina Lacasse

9/27/2012 09:11:50 am

I like the fact that you brought up the competitive cycle where people repeatly try to outdo each other.

Haley Krivensky

9/27/2012 01:56:44 pm

I totally agree with everything you said, Meredith. The part about humans always being in competition with each other is so true!

Steve Hatzikostas

9/26/2012 02:17:28 pm

i believe that everyone in life has one main priority to accomplish, and that is becoming the top dog. having a successful career with a good pay. once you achieve that then the money power and respect comes with it. everyone will know you for what you do and who you are, if youre the towns favorite police officer or the garbage man that no one hass ever heard of. i think we all work our way to becoming powerful because along the way of being powerful, families, cars, and clothes will come along the way. and all of this is the true power that we all want to feel.

Kara DeVito link

9/26/2012 03:34:49 pm

Humans like attention. Humans want to prove themselves. For many people, they push through hardships because they want to PROVE something of themselves, and I feel that's an even deeper root in humans. Sure, humans thrive on power everyday, simply trying to be the best. Once you've proved SOMETHING of yourself, you start to gain that self-confidence, that ego, that driving force to make you seem better than everyone else. You all of a sudden are in the race to become better and better and better, and it soon becomes a natural high for us, growing to insane measures. However, all these materialistic things, how does that make anyone better than another? I did a speech last year on what makes someone better than another. Honestly, all these things that make us "look" better are simply just society's mainstream "necessities" for the time being. And we humans are extremely malleable when it comes to the different styles and trends of decades. The world is constantly changing. Even just reading the different opinions on this blog, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks "Oh, that's actually a really good point!". So in the end, this drive for power, some decades later, won't matter because of the constant changes in this world's society today.

Lauren Barry

9/27/2012 08:30:18 am

The idea of motivating yourself to do better and better is so true! You're right, it is like a natural high for everyone, in general.

Kaitlyn Twombly

9/27/2012 09:31:02 am

This is extremely well said, Kara. I too believe that humans are always longing to prove themselves and striving to be the best. It is simply human nature to do so and compete, almost like the survival of the fittest idea. I also agree with your other point that gradually some people go to insane measure to prove themselves and become all-powerful, but in the end, what really does make someone better than someone else...? Good points.

Camille Glasow

9/27/2012 12:32:24 pm

I had been thinking that we do things to rise above others to prove something to ourselves, but now that I read this, I agree that we want a higher status above others to prove something about ourselves to others, not just out of the standards we set for ourselves, but what other people expect out of us, too.

Brennen Diaz

9/26/2012 03:37:18 pm

I do no believe that humans all want power and status over others. This is not nature thing, but an environmental effect. Depending on the environments that people are born and raised in can have a major impact on their will to be at the top of the pyramid. It is similar to the saying champions are made not born. People who like to display power and success over other are made into that from their environment around them. I personally believe those who like to feel that sense of power or wealth do it for individualistic reasons. Humans are selfish and display individualism. That is just how we are in nature, how God made us. We do things to benefit ourselves most of the time. And as the we go farther into the future competition will increase. Society has become a place where, in the 21st century, people who establish a power over others will most likely succeed in life. Now, just to have power and wealth does not mean you are Adolf Hitler. Not all people become corrupt with power. At the end of the day, the environment we are born into will shape us to who we are and nature, the good and bad of it, is something we have to shape ourselves.

Kyle Blake

9/27/2012 06:41:23 am

I believe the human race is half and half. Half of the people want to exercise power and the other half want to be followers. For example, in high school there are certain people that think they have to be in the popular group to have the so called "power." Others believe in hanging back and not having all of the attention on them. I also believe the only reason why people want to be powerful and have a high status at work is for the money raise. Only a small part of it id for the power to boss people around. Humans, at our core, strive for money. Also many boss' earn their spot to be high up on the ladder. Not a lot of them just walk into a company and become a manager. Going to a good college will get you a better degree, ultimately earning you more money. Almost half of the people on this earth worry about who has the spouse more money. The other half worries about having the spouse with more character and pride.

Alex Mardis

9/27/2012 11:17:13 am

I agree kyle. Even though it seems like everyone is always trying to out do one another, I like to think that just as many people succeed for themselves and no one else.

Lauren Barry

9/27/2012 08:27:13 am

The term “natural selection” answers this statement in its entirety. The term means that within nature, the organism best fit to survive in the environment will be the one that succeeds and grows. If there are organisms that will be unable to effectively fend for themselves, whether it is physical or mental, the species will eventually become extinct. That being said, it becomes obvious through analysis that if humans did not desire power and control over others, they would have never survived. What this means is that if humans never became motivated to conquer over others, there would be no possible way for society to function. Although some cases of the desire of power have led to negative events, such as Adolf Hitler’s motives, a majority of the want and need of power can be deemed as beneficial to society. If every person had decided it was best to just sit back and do what they please for self fulfillment, there would never have been a society produced that allows the functioning of an effective lifestyle. Although the ambition of power may be more prominent in some members of society over others, the trait is established in us all as human beings. By no means am I saying that each person wants to hurt another that may be better than them, I am saying that there is always some sort of hope to be better than the best. Although some people will most likely disagree in the argument that the desire of power does motivate every choice we make, it is important to realize that within society, you will always have a desire to one-up someone in any way you can. Whether you are competing for a spot on a team, a higher grade, a friendship, or a job title, you will always want to be better than the best whether you like it or not. So yes, humans, at their cores are interested in exercising power and status over others.

Zach Antonio

9/27/2012 09:04:53 am

Power. Is that what it's all about? I would like to think not. What I really think is that everyone's goal in life is to be happy. That's what I believe is the drive to everything we do. Anything to be happy. That is where the need for power may or may not come in. Because some people are only happy when they have power. Do people want to put themselves over others to feel better? If so, it is only because they lack self-confidence. And usually, they will never admit it. But at the risk of sounding redundant, everything we do is just to be happy. That's the goal. The path you take to get there is what differs.

Maria Castelot

9/27/2012 12:23:37 pm

I completely agree with you 100% Zach! People's biggest life goal should be to be happy above all. However, everyone is so caught in trying to be better than others that they don't even consider their happiness anymore.

Kristina Lacasse

9/27/2012 09:08:41 am

It is human nature for people to want to feel important. I feel that everyone wants recognition, but some people take this overboard. It depends on the person of how they are motivated. Sometimes people only do good things, so they can get a better reputation. The way people dress and the activities people choose are based on the impressions and that is how society works. Some people pick the jobs so they can get rich or famous or both. Although this is true for some people for these situations, some choices are truly motivated by what makes that person happy. Some people choose what college and what job they want by what they like and enjoy. People are motivated by feeling good, whether that feeling comes from society’s approval or self-approval. In the end, people want to feel important.

Christina Buswell

9/27/2012 09:22:16 am

I wholeheartedly believe that humans have a natural instinct to exercise power over others. We are raised to be the best that we can be. You go to school to get great grades, then graduate and go to a great college, to graduate again and get a great job that pays great money. All of this is centered around being the best because humans are naturally competitive. I completely agree with Danielle's response. We don't do what we do to be "ok", we do it to be the best. Especially with the economy we live in now, where money is everything and jobs are harder to come by. You need to be the best in order to make it. As much as I would like to believe that everything we do is to better ourselves and build our character, very few people actually live this way. Most of the population lives to be better than someone else, to receive better grades, to attend a better college, to obtain a better job, to make more money, to wear nicer clothes, etc. Our lives are run by the need to express our superiority. Some are more humble than others and do not gloat about the accomplishments they make, but in the end, we all have that same instinct to be better than someone else.

Kaitlyn Twombly

9/27/2012 09:25:13 am

I see two different sides to this argument. On one hand, it is without-a-doubt a valid statement that it is human nature to compete and long to become superior to others. Humans, well most, all possess the desire to out-do their peers and impress. I can actually relate this. I am always looking to compete and, for a lack of better terms, out-do others, and I know I am not the only one. I do not do this because I am callous by nature, but more so to better myself. It is my way of remaining successful and determined, in a friendly manner or course. If an individual did not do this, they would most likely fall behind the bar of society. It is essentially a necessity to compete. On the other hand, I do believe that some people genuinely do things without the desire to exercise power and status over others. I can too relate to this. For example, I take pride in my appearance religiously. The makeup, the clothes, the accessories, though, are not done to be superior over others by any means at all. I simply do it because it me feel better in general. I may or may not sound slightly shallow in this response, but I believe that this is human nature, and every singly person has done something for superiority at some point in their live's, but has also done something that has nothing to do with gaining power. To conclude, yes people are very interested in power and status at their cores', but their motives are not solely gaining power and/or exercising status.

DAN MOTT

9/27/2012 09:33:48 am

Everyone doesn't WANT power, but the way society has formed, people are influenced to do so. People go to these prestigeous schools and get jobs high up in the business world, but it doesn't matter. I mean you should be happy with what you do. Just because everyone else around you is going to school for business and law and management doesn't mean you have to conform to that idea. Pick a career you will be happy in. You can get the same education at some of the top schools, as you can at local or smaller schools, adn save more mony. If people feel the need to brag about the school they got into, so what! Good for them, let them rot in an old dorm, while you're experiencing life and doing what you want and not what your forced to do.
Humans always want the power over someone else. I think that most people forget, that just because you're CEO or principal or whatever, doesn't mean you are king of the mountain. You still need to listen to people beneath you and listen to their ideas.
The key, is being yourself. You have the hot shots who drive around in their lamborghini's and Armani suits and that's cool and all, but what does it all mean? I mean yeah I would love to live that lifestyle, but maybe I won't either. You should be happy where ever you end up. As long as you are educated, doing something you like, its legal, and you are satisfied, then who cares if it's an accountant or a trash man.
People most definitley have power at the root at everything they do and every decison they make. But, who cares. If they want to be selfish, obnoxious jerks then let them. You shouldn't let society shape you, you should shape society and make a difference.
Greed is prevelant in most American's minds and takes over many daily lives. You have to put that beside you and keep an open mind about the world around you.

With cockiness comes power, with power comes money, and with money comes corruption.

A Capes

9/27/2012 03:51:15 pm

I am extremely impressed witht this post and completely agree. Very well said. (the "rot in their dorms" line was obviously my favorite part.)

Alyssa Ferreone

9/27/2012 09:38:33 am

I believe that people make decisions soley based on power and status. It is hard not to in today's world. Money can get you just about anything in this society. As an example, if someone's grades arent good enough to get into the school of their choice and their parents happen to be wealthy, they may be able to buy their way into school. It is just human nature to want to be on top of the crowd. Money is the gateway to power and status in the world. And the world is comparable to a game of survival. All that you can do in this world is find a way to survive. Its the number one human instinct: to live, and the way to get a good living for yourself is to get the most money and status that you can. It is just inevitable for humans to crave power and status.

Danielle O

9/27/2012 02:11:49 pm

Lyss, I agree 100%. This world is survival of the fittest and only the powerful will survive.

Jessica Fedak

9/27/2012 03:40:22 pm

I completely agree Alyssa! It is definitely human nature to want to be the best.

Tim Osborn

9/27/2012 10:35:11 am

Yes I do believe, in some cases, that people do things just for the social status. Take buying a brand new BMW for example. If someone is out looking for a new car and end up buying a new BMW, what does that really say? "Hey I have money and I am willing to spend it on something I don't truely need." That Ford Focus across the street will do the same exact thing for you. The purpose for having a car is to get from point A to point B, not to have a touchscreen that shows videos. However, in some cases I do believe that people do things because they like to. Often Veterinarians want to help animals because they like to, rather than just collecting a paycheck. Yes the paycheck may be nice, but it isn't their sole purpose. There's many people in the world that like to do what they do, but others do it to look good or to have to social status.

Kaitlyn Carey

9/27/2012 10:41:24 am

I believe humans are naturally competitive, a trait which has become even stronger in today's society. Although not everyone who has power over others is in that position purely because they want to control other people, many other things most people want coincide with having a higher status. For example, almost everyone would want a job that pays a lot, however most jobs do not pay as excessively. This causes people to be very competitive in trying to get a job or promotion that they want, not to have power over others, but to make more money. Money and power are very closely related, in most cases, however it is different for everyone what motivates them more. For some, they want to be respected, remembered, or simply have their 15 minutes of fame. Your sense of self worth also is a factor in it though. Nobody wants to think of themselves as a failure, and wanting to improve can also be motivating. From someone else's point of view, any of those reasons could be seen as being power hungry. I believe it is human nature to want power, or everything that can be gained from having power such as status, money, or self satisfaction. The society we live in makes this an even stronger influence on people, giving us the freedom to work towards having a more powerful job, and the ever present glorification from the media of being rich and famous. I do not believe that either of those things should be restricted, making us live in a society where there is no chance to progress. Instead, it is important to also value things that are more important than power, to see people as more than what they have achieved.

Jackie Ortiz

9/27/2012 11:50:14 am

Humans, as a whole, always have the dream that they would be on top. Although you can argue otherwise, it is true. It's to the point that people don't even notice. For example, if you are at a job and disagree with your boss you probably would say if I were them I would've done that better. That is wanting their postion of power and status. It always crosses your mind. We are a competive species and we just can't help it. Even going through college admissions, we want a college that has a well known name, or status. It is a sad truth but I do believe over all, power, status, and money, are the root to the things we do. I will not lie, I think about it too, but like others I can determine which decisions should have deeper meanings. For example, marriage. That should solely be based off of love and personality. Also, even though with jobs it is hard, you should chose by how happy you will be. But all in all status and power are at the root.

Chris Faber

9/27/2012 11:53:12 am

I am in agreement that all humans, at our cores, are interested in exercising power and status over others. This is a bold statement to make, however I do believe that there is a little bit of greed for power in all of us. Some people clearly want much more power and status than others do as well. On a global scale we can see that in past history, dictators stick out like a sore thumb when talking about people who strive for this kind of power. There is no question about that. The more controversial side of this question comes from your "everyday citizen" as we can call it. As I see it, there is and always will be competition for status between us. Whether it may be who gets into a better college, who gets a better job, or even who looks better. It's almost a natural instinct within us. Everyone wants to be noticed one way or another. Furthermore, this "status" does not have to be as big as you may assume. For example, a common status we want as students is getting a higher grade than the person who sits next to you. You may not get recognized for this, but within your own mind you feel as though you have achieved a higher status of knowledge to a point. This is where our natural instinct of competition comes into play.

Meghan Giannettino

9/27/2012 12:18:19 pm

Yes humans, at our cores are interested in exercising power and status over others but too better themselves. Maybe no all humans want to better themselves. Some say they are happy where they are at in life. But most want that feeling of doing something life fulfilling, that power. For example a lower class citizen; blue collar worker, he works hard everyday so he get noticed and become a higher ranking. He wants to better himself have a higher status. A higher class citizen wants to stay on top of status and keep their power. And usually not in all cases looks down at blue collar workers.What most people want at the end of the day is to say they have that "life fulfilling" thing. Weather it's a job, nice house, fancy car or what every it is depending on the person. People will do any thing to better themselves, to get to that power. To have their fulfilling life.

Maria Castelot

9/27/2012 12:18:32 pm

In our society, power is everything. The better we make ourselves seem, the higher we are on the totem pole. We are surrounded by competitive people trying to be better than the person next to them and its hard not to get caught up in the middle of it. When I hear the term ‘try your best’, I don’t think of what my best is but what my classmates’ best is and tend to work harder to be better than them. Our high school experience leads us to the college we’ll attend, which then will lead us to our careers, and ultimately our future. We are in a constant battle for the first place, job, relationship, and everything around us. Power is the equivalent to being the uppermost, or the best and it surrounds us. To stop or even slow down will set us back and could jeopardize “winning.”

Alex Mardis

9/27/2012 12:19:31 pm

There are definitely people who attribute every achievment or activity as a measure of their "status". As stated in the discussion sentence, the idea of showing dominance over others is part human nature. But an even stronger trait than this is jealousy. I think the idea that people become jealous over others' accomplishments is much more believable than people living their whole live's around trying to please others. If a person gets into a good college or has a nice car then good for them. He or she isnt necessarily trying to showoff. At the same time, people only become jealous over things that they want for themselves. And this jealousy could come from people who wish that they had all these things to boast about. In the end, i think that materialism in general (which encompasses both showing off and jealousy) causes more harm than simply trying to highlight you status over others. People should worry less about the materialistic aspects of life in general, and focus more on the necessities in life such as friends, family, etc. I think that doing this will takes alot of stresses out of your life.

Michaela Ryan

9/27/2012 01:03:08 pm

I do not believe that everyone's main goal in life is to have power over others. I believe that everyone's goal is to be happy. The problem is that many think that power is a way to achieve happiness, and in some cases it can be, but "with great power comes great responsibility," and I think that power often corrupts more that it does good.
I can't count how many times I've thought to myself "one day I'll prove to them what I can really do," or something to make myself feel more empowered over people. But I think it all exists in the mind, and it really isn't important how much better than others you think you are. What is important is that you're happy, and that you're being a better version of yourself rather than trying to be a better version of others. There is always going to be someone better than you, and there will always be someone worse. In my opinion, it's a waste of time to fight for power, because at the end of the day, everyone is still equal and human.

Richard Katrenya

9/27/2012 02:00:40 pm

I believe that everyone is born with the desire for power, but it is something that is commonly misunderstand. It isn't a desire for "power" per say, but rather it is just a human's deep primal instinct to survive. In a world like today, to survive, people believe that they need to go to high school for their highschool diploma. From there, they go to a great college and then onto a great job to make a lot of money, and then to show how far they've become, they have kids and teach them how to survive. It isn't our fault, it is in our DNA to survive. The will to survive can outweigh ANY other emotion. So when humans do go out and try to look better than somebody else, or try to be smarter than the next person that comes along, at first glance it does look like they are exercising their power over them, but as I said, that person is only trying to survive in the horrible jungle that we call society. If somebody has to be better than somebody else to survive and pass on their DNA to their offspring, so be it. The strong survive.

Justin Leone

9/27/2012 02:04:59 pm

I do believe that humans try to exercise power and status over other people. Its been like this since the very first humans. I'm assuming the cavemen had a group leader in their clans to control their actions, hunts and so on. Obviously, this has progressed through the ages and have resulted in kings, queens, presidents, or whatever else you want to think of. And yes I believe that most of everything that we do has either power or status as the main driving force. People in general, try to buy nice things to show they have power or status. In many cultures, especially ours, owning any vehicle is a symbol of status. The more expensive the car, the more powerful a person seems. For instance, if I came to school driving a Bugatti Veyron, people would assume that I'm rich, and that I have a powerful status. Whereas driving a beat-up stationwagon, would only grant me the status of being poor.

Victoria Marino

9/27/2012 02:10:47 pm

In the world we live in today, people are raised to be competitive in everything we do. I believe that although many people don’t mean to be competitive, we all strive to be more powerful than the people that surround us. While we grow up, we are taught to do well in school, to get a good job, and eventually make as much money as we can. We do that so that we can purchase the newest items such as clothes and technology, not for our own wellbeing, but to show it off to others around us who may not be able to afford such luxuries. We compete with others all throughout school, fighting for a spot in top college and fighting for a spot in a top notch job which is higher than others. Just to be more powerful so that we can show it off to others.
For most people, waking up and getting ready is a daily routine. In my opinion, people get their hair, makeup, nails, etc. done in order to impress others around them. I know I personally do not make myself look nice just to feel good. I do it to impress others around me. We dress nicer when going to fancy places and make ourselves look extra presentable when going for a business meetings or any other formal event. Once again doing this to be competitive and win a spot over other competitors. Our friends, even our family is our competition. Many siblings are always striving to be the favorite child, the smartest child, or the most loved child. Whether we see it or not, we all strive for power in some way, shape, or form.

Katie Mitchell

9/27/2012 02:24:06 pm

Power and status play a major role in almost everybody's lives, but to say it is the root to all things is absurd. People do things for themselves and for their own well-being. We want to be happy in life, and that is our goal. To live a life you love, with the people you love, is key. People go to top notch schools to create a career for themselves. They try their hardest to be successful so they can support themselves and their families. They want to have a career for the rest of their lives that they love. For example, there is no power or status in being a chef, but people choose to be one because they solely love cooking. It makes them happy and that is all that matters for most people. They do it with the best interest of themselves. Same goes for luxury items like high fashion clothing. People dress in expensive clothes and try to look nice so they can be accepted by others. They want to fit in and not be judged by their appearance. Not because they are trying to gain power and status over everybody by the way they look.
Obviously there are people whose lives depend on power and status. People like Adolf Hitler, whose main goal in life was to rule others and control everything. Some people just want that feeling of being in charge of others and feeling above them. But for most humans, at our cores, our goal is to enjoy life and just be happy.

Christina M

9/27/2012 03:10:33 pm

I think humans are always trying to get the upper hand. People are always doing things to get ahead of others. For example, in horseback riding people who have a lot of money have an advantage because they can afford to purchase the nicest horse that will get them to win in competition. Instead of working hard to earn first place they simply win because their horse is very experienced and listens to all the riders commands. This is unfair and similar to a lot of other situations in life. I agree that people are always "dressed to impress". Appearance is important in todays society. People want to have the styles that are popular or new clothes, shoes, phones....basically anything that they could show off and be proud that they have and other people do not. It is unfortunate that society is this way. Even though I might not have the newest or nicest things I love everything that I have and I think other people should try to be more original instead of trying to hold up an image that might not be true to themselves.

Jessica Fedak

9/27/2012 03:37:22 pm

I believe that most decisions humans make have status and power as its root. We spend our entire lives trying to be better than the next person. We strive for good grades in school to be the smartest student. We want to get into the best colleges so that we can have a better life than someone that did not. We want to have a greater chance of getting a good job, being successful, and being better than all the other applicants. We dress nice and wear all the latest styles to be better than everyone who does not. Life is a competition. Everyone wants to beat their competition and be the best at what they do. Although there are some things we do merely to have fun and please ourselves, most of the things we do as humans is to gain power and a higher status.

A Capes

9/27/2012 04:12:25 pm

Alright, so here's the deal.
Why can't a person be hard working and driven for themselves, as well as someone who helps others? What, is that not allowed? Most of the posts on here are favoring one side or discussing both sides, which is absolutely great (I totally respect your opinion). But is it impossible to be someone who can live a life doing both? It's no secret that- especially now as high school seniors- the world is competitive; that's a statement I am in no way trying to argue against. Everyone at some point in their lives has done something to try to get ahead or to gain more power than someone else. (If you're all like "LOL no," then you're lying.) It's human nature to be competitive, we've always been this way. But on the opposite side of the scale, are the people who (claim to) always help out others and never fight against anyone for anything. Except people seem to disregaurd the few people living lives in between both sides of the spectrum.
And we do, in fact, exist whether you believe it or not.

Amber Murray

9/27/2012 10:48:00 pm

I believe that all humans in some way or another posses some kid of power or want to in some way. When driving around you see a lot of nice cars that are expensive. Having the cars that cost the most money doesn't do anything for that person but make them look as though they have a lot of money. In mist cases money is power. Also people set self achievements, not just to make them feel good about themselves but to show that they do posses some kind of power. As Danielle mentioned before, when an athlete goes to practice they don't go and not give it their all. Sports players give it 110 percent. It's human instinct to try and be the best. Having money does not necessarily make you have more power then some other person. The person who strives for it and wants it the most will come out on top. I do truly believe though, that for humans we are interested in exercising power and status over others.

Jeremiah Burr

9/30/2012 12:06:00 pm

I believe that we are all different and handle money and power differently than others. Some who are seem like the nicest people in the world can turn into monsters when they are given so much power, while in reverse someone who you think would abuse power might not. Some people are more likely to get carried away with power than others and it may surprise you how carried you even get. At our core i believe that we all strive for a status and recognition but at different degrees. Some people want money and power while others want friends or just to be noticed. While the specifics of what we desire is different, the basic principles behind it is the same.

Comments are closed.

Money, Power & Respect

English 12 Honors

Archives

Categories