Okay, so I am glad we are applying Aristotle and Virtue Ethics to such relevant issues. I was surprised to hear so much skepticism that collegians could not go a week without getting drunk. I doubt that this is true, except for those who are predisposed to alcoholism.
Anyway, let me broaden the issue some. MSNBC just reported on a study of college students that is leading some to use the term "Generation Me." It involves a massive survey done (not by Beck, unfortunately) by 5 psychologists. It involved 16,475 college students,
I want to get a discussion going on this survey. I'm not sure how I see the matter, but all of you, without being defensive toward the article, can react and give suggestions. So read it here and then post comments.
The study uses the word narcissim a lot. For the roots of that word, see post below...
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15 comments:
I do believe college students care too much about apperances. I can't tell how much more it is than other generations though. Students now also care about money a lot. A good percentage of college students I know care about the money they are going to get after college more than anything else. The one thing I thought was ridiculous was saying that parents shouldn't tell their children they are special. Special is too broad of a word and can mean many things. People are special as in everyone is a unique individual so I don't see any problem with that. With that said I don't know if this is a good survey. 16,472 college students seems like a small amount (most public colleges have double that amount) and I have no idea what students they targeted or if they just randomly asked students to participate.
I am sorry Griff, i think ur a great teacher and all, but you said something during class today that I just cant take seriously. You said that Notre Dame Students would be transfering to holy cross due to our virtues in the future. I want to know if you actually personally think that competent people would give up great futures, great degrees and lucrative jobs to go to a transfer school? I personally think that that people that transfer to Holy Cross from Notre Dame not because of grades but other reasons are being ungreatful and blind. People All over the world strive for their entire lives to get into notre dame and dont but now you think people will leave to go to holy cross? *Sigh* What is this world comming to?
Yes, Andy, I do believe that in 5-10 years people will transfer from ND to HCC, on purpose! Why? Not because ND is bad-- I love ND-- but vecause we can offer something truly different: a small, liberal arts focused community of scholars where each student is not lost in a crowd but is allowed to discover their own voice. It can happen!!!!
In this day and age if you don't think about yourself you will not be able to get by. Most people like to look good and want to be somewhat well off in there future so they can live a good life,is that a bad thing? Also, I dont think it is just the students it is everyone in the world that is becoming more self centered and narcissistic. The world is changing and this is just one of the many changes that is taking place.
No Griff, it cant. You think people will jeapordize their futures by transfering to holy cross because we have some virtues?, or claim we do? Transfering from Notre Dame to Holy Cross IS JUST PLAIN DUMB! That is like buying a Ferrari and then saying hmm i dont like this i want a wagon.
Virtues:
This school is no different than any other, money driven just like every other school in the nation. You know what gets you ahead in the american education system? Money, a donation here. It goes on everywhere even this virtuous "school" we go to.
Andy,
I hate to break it to you, but there is more to life than fast cars, big name degrees, and lots of money.
What does it benefit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul? Just because something is desired by people "all over the world" does not make it an ultimate good.
I'd rather be happy than have a Notre Dame degree.
Taking credit for the previous post.
So you think that I cant be successful at life and not be happy, You think that I am not capeable of gaining power in the world and enjoying life. Well, to each is own Mr Bruner. Good luck
Back to the topic of the post. I do not find the study alarming at all. College is the first time most people are away or at least disconnected from their families. People become a lot more focused on themselves, how they are doing in school and such. It is also a time that there is a lot demand to fit in socially, and by extension, look good. The study asserts that narcissists “are more likely to have romantic relationships that are short-lived, at risk for infidelity, lack emotional warmth, and to exhibit game-playing, dishonesty, and over-controlling and violent behaviors.” That, to me, seems to be the point of college, to experience and grow.
Mr. Griffin,
i think for students from ND to come to HCC, Holy Cross has to change there out look and advertise themselves as not the school were Rudy went to get into ND and not the school across the street from ND. This is my typical conversation with people when explaining where i attend school...
"Where do you go to school?"
"Holy Cross"
Blank stare
"you know the movie Rudy? or Know of Notre Dame? its right across the street"
"ohhh ok"
this is a normal conversation and to become a school where Notre Dame students are going to want to attend i feel we are going to have to step away from being the little school across from Notre Dame and estabilish our own label. such as being the small school in South Bend where you can connect with teachers and get a good degree from.
I hope everyone realizes that when this study refers to "Narcissism" it is refering to "Narcissistic Personality Disorder."
Those who are defending such an outlook are, quite literally, arguing in favor or a classified mental illness.
Do I believe this outbreak of the "Generation Me" culture will hamper the young college students, yes--on the interpersonal relationship front. Although, their ability to climb a corporate latter will be far from compromised. This is because in many colleges put emphasis in telling the students they are unique and offer a job only they can do, further reinforcing their narcissism/narcissistic behaviors. In addition to this, they have the pressure of their family, and peers as they compete for jobs. My experience at Purdue University was loaded with "who is the most successful" or "who has the best resume." Finally, people are considered no more than "resources" or "connections" to a better job; technical term at IUPUSB was "networking"--a highly valued "trait". One must look at friends as a resource, "how can this person help me most".
This form of "all powerful me", "all glorious me", "all unique me"
alienates interpersonal relationships, but embraces corporate latter climbing.
i totally agree with nate on this one. i think its a shame that people are looked upon as resources rather that persons trying to make their lives better. our society has lost the value of a person. this has made people wory more about thier appearance and the way others percieve them.
"Narcissistic Personality Disorder" is one of those attempts by modern psychologically to classify ever aspect to human nature as disorder. There have been perfectly normal, even more than exceptional individuals that have possessed more than one of those characteristics. So I will argue that this "classified" mental illness, as you put it, is a stage of developemen that is shed as we realize that there is a world outside our own, typically when you have to get a job and pay bills.
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