Lessons learned from WWI.

I just read an article in the Kansas City Star about the rise of narcissism in society since 1982. Narcissism is loving yourself above all other things. The article stated that since the early 1980's we have been teaching our kids that they could be anything they wanted, and that they were special no matter what they did with their life, good or bad. The article was extremely critical of this teaching and i mplied that the people that have been raised to believe this have a selfish and egocentric view about how they should be treated, without the idea that respect and accomplishments should be earned. A perfect example of this idea is MTV's show My Sweet Sixteen, in which sixteen year olds are given lavish parties, because they are sixteen. What kind of accomplishment is that? We should give the party to the people around them for having to put up with their behavior for sixteen years.

Back to the subject. When I ask in class if you would fight in the army if the draft was re-instated, I am always surprised by number of students that say that they would go to Canada, or get out of the country instead of going into the service. The question is: Do you think the attitude of Narcissism plays into the decision not to go into the service if drafted, or do you think it is about the War in Iraq and the current political turmoil surrounding the war? Do you think it is noble, to go into the armed services? Do you think it is noble to oppose war by leaving the country?

How did the ideas of the Enlightenment spill over into the French Revolution?

How were the revolutions in America and France direct results of the ideas from the Enlightenment? We obviously believe that these ideas are important, however, do you see any emerging ideas that will change the world in the next few decades. For example, America has embraced the idea that pre-emptive war is critical for defending the ideas of the Enlightenment. Also, we will spread the ideals of the Enlightenment by creating democracies in the Middle East. Do you agree with the direction that the country has recently taken. If you do, explain how these new ideas are necessary for the safety of our country. If you do not agree with these ideas, explain other strategies the United States needs to implement to combat the threat of terrorism and nuclear proliferation.