Sad, and reflecting musing that I forgot I wrote a while ago.

I wrote this small piece of writing in response to a report that a man had killed himself and his family, on Oct 6, 2008. This was a tragedy. This unfortunately shows a durkheimian school of thought. 

 

 Durkheim argues that modern society is always prone to anomie, but it is only in times of social and economic crisis does it come to the forefront.  For example, A man which killed himself and his family because of the pressures of the economy and recession. This shows anomie taking form in society. This example which unfortunately is true is also proof of Durkheim’s ideas of Anomic Suicide. Like in our recession, people in our society in general have been put in a situation in which old norms do not apply, and new norms have not yet developed. Durkheim was a genius. 

Anomie - state of normlessness, or lack of norms.

Norms - the do’s and don’ts of society, human conduct, and social interaction.  Rules, Standards, laws, regulations, customs and traditions.

On a personal note, politics aside, we as humans should do everything in our power to help our fellow man in need. I can understand if the man doesn't seek help, but if he did, we should do everything we can. This is senseless and very sad.

Durkheim 2008/Obama : Collective Effervescence, Individuality, and cycles.

Collective Effervescence, Individuality, and cycles.

While reading and thinking about Durkheim, and his views on what he calls Collective Effervescence, I was thinking about how you could use this theory and apply it to the 2008 election with Barack Obama.  

 This theory states that society can have great moments in history where we can have a collective exaltation which can have a great change in our society. This is sorta arguing that Obama has been exalted to God Status(be careful not to get to literal). But, while that sounds ridiculous, just look at the Obamania and the Obama obsessed media. Also, if you think about the fact that there are Americans that don't believe in god(like Myself) then this accounts for the Obama detractors. Although I do support Obama, I don't worship him and neither does the Obama manics, I was just exaggerating.

Now Individualism...

Individualism is a byproduct of society, because without knowing of society, then the individual does not know he is an individual, you must have other individuals to compare too and relate to in order to understand and appreciate your own individuality. 

And Individuality is also formed by using others as your examples of what not to do and what to do, which creates a unique person because each situation in which you see or use an individual to express your own self is unique and different. And because other people are using you for their examples then you can say that no one individual can create, control, or even greatly influence society. Look at a transcendental person like Obama. He may be able to sway millions, but remember that those millions were not swayed by him as much as the millions that Obama was influenced by in his life. Society is in fact a great circle that continuously feeds off itself and renews itself.