After reading about paradigm shifts, the ones that I found to be most striking and interesting are historical paradigm shifts. The first, and one of the most important in American history took place in the early 1940's. Since the WWI, the United States has shrunk back in its' shell, refusing to become embroiled in European conflicts, despite the desperate pleas for help from countries such as France and England. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a massive shift in public opinion about the entering foreign conflicts. The national opinion went from highly isolationist to supporting a large conflict. This opinion carried through up until the middle of the Vietnam War.
Another massive paradigm shift within the United States occurred in 2001 in regards to security. Suddenly, national security became a massive priority. A government department was created, and a slew of laws such as the Patriot act filled the floor in Congress. The United States public was in a panic to heighten security measures in areas such as public transportation, more specifically, airline security. This sparked fierce arguments about how far security could, especially in collecting information and spying upon citizens.
Both of the examples above are paradigm shifts as public opinion experienced a massive change within the United States. The change from isolationistic to pro conflict was sparked by a Pearl Harbor making US citizens realize that the conflict truly involved them. The feeling of vulnerability cause a shift in public opinion that captured nearly the entire nation. The public opinion regarding national security was caused by the attacks on 9/11. The nation once again felt unsafe, and the response was a nationwide call for security to be heightened in almost every area. Both of these are widespread shifts in public opinion that were influenced by deadly attacks on home soil.
Hi Tim, I really liked the idea you mentioned in class about how we have come to be so worried about being politically correct. I think this is an interesting topic because it has really changed how we interact with people who are different from us. Sometimes we don't ask important questions because we're worried about being perceived as rude or inconsiderate.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of 9/11 is a great paradigm due to the fact that you can connect back to so many topics relating back to security and protection. For example, there are more searches and metal detectors that can help prevent any form of threat or terrorism. However, by asking for more protection, we are loosing freedom. So, you can also talk about the rights of the people, and how there needs to be an equilibrium when it comes to protection and freedom. Great paradigm!
ReplyDeleteI really like history and the idea that you used the "shift" in terms of international politics. However, your second idea seems to be more narrow and has more details. Regarding the 911 incident and how this changed the minds of people how to become patriotic through war, protecting the country.
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