That loneliness is a major problem in city life? How far do you agree?

The city – full of zest, glitz and glamour and all that jazz.  It is said to be the pulse of a country and where economic progress is centred at. Amidst all that are its people who create the city as it is, living in six degrees of separation.  As life becomes profoundly more mercurial and intricately complex with tectonic shifts, the labyrinth we live in today has robbed most of us, to say the least, of something we yearn for, desire, need, want – creating an empty space that is loneliness.  Though loneliness is a major problem in city, it is not necessarily the only problem given the myriad of troubles that plague the world today.

The advent of the internet has enhanced the connectivity between two people regardless of geographical boundaries.  It has created various matchmaking and online chatting services that allow people to fall in love without meeting each other prior. A burgeoning number of couples who are dating first got to know each other via online dating services.  For instance, Taiwanese author Gladden met his girlfriend of four years via her blog. Matchmaking companies use the internet to find a potential bride for someone. Family members have been able to stay in touch via skype. Thanks to technology, communication has been enhanced that diminish prospect for loneliness to be dominant in one’s life and create a major problem, especially in city life.

As people today adopt a more active lifestyle and are interested to acquire new skills, more are dining out, joining classes and spend a relaxed day somewhere out.  This has widened the breadth of interactions between people.  Through social interactions, we are able to make new friends that do away with loneliness. Social support systems available such as religious institutions too provide the opportunity for city dwellers to interact with each other.  In Singapore, more locals are actively joining marathon (Nike Race – within six days all spots were taken) and taking up speed dating services. One reason for lower loneliness too is that companies these days emphasize corporate social responsibility  (CSR) that create a compulsory requirement for employees to do community service.  It is refreshing for a city dweller to temporarily take leave from the fast pace, hectic working life that causes one to be caught up with it and lose social interaction that is vital for anyone being.

If one stays connected to world issues, the comprehensive problems that engulf us today, makes loneliness take a back seat.  The passionate debate about environmental issues, child trafficking and slow economic growth have wider and grave consequences. Solutions to these problems have not been absolute and abided to as promised which poses a more serious problem than loneliness which has available avenues for one to channel and suppress.  In fact, it is these problems that actually proliferated one’s communications with each other.  Demonstrators from all over the globe usually come together to protests against something they agree such as protests against the IMF and the negative impact of the capitalist economy.  As these people come together for a common course, the similar interest they share, allow one to forget loneliness and feel content to fight for something they believe in with like-minded people.  City dwellers, they no longer are, but unrecognized soldiers.

However, though on a majority scale, loneliness may not be a problem, for some it is a significant problem that would pose a major problem to their loved ones.  In a city, besides workers, students who live in one have access to various electronic goods that can strip away communication from the world.  Point in case – video games.  Consumers can become so absorbed in it that at times they forget they are actually living, forgetting their daily routines as they become preoccupied with the games.  In Japan, video gamers are known to have died from being obsessed with playing that they forget to blink.  It could be because they could be lonely and play such games to negate loneliness, self-immersed in it and worry parents.

Globalisation has sewn the world closer and has seen a greater influx of migrants to cities in hope of a better life by earning higher wages that are used to support their families.  The “city-dwellers” would feel loneliness as they are separated from loved ones and do not really know anyone in the place they have migrated to.  Moreover, they also do not have the financial means usually to afford electronic goods that allow them to remain in touch with the loved ones.  For instance, many Bangladesh, Thai and Chinese workers stay in Singapore in dormitories – evident of their low income to have a comfortable place of their own.  While their roommates may transiently erase loneliness, these migrants who live in the city are lonely but do not pose a major problem for a  government to interfere.

Loneliness – the feeling of being cut off, alienated and disconnected from the others in an urban environment that thrives on a high standard of living seems to have or inverse relationship between city and loneliness.  In view of the majority, it does not pose a major problem in city life but for the minor few whose character may not be appreciated by others or for those who do not speak the same language, do experience loneliness in large volumes, but it is more on a personal level than a national one to be seen as a major problem.

‘Music is meant primarily for the individual’s private enjoyment.’ Discuss.

Music, though evolved with the aid of technology, still significantly retains its trait of bringing people together as people groove to the music, not alone but together. Music is a public expression of one’s feelings and emotions that are made so that others can feel what that one person feeling.  Thus, It is not true that music is meant for private enjoyment. Music is mainly for group enjoyment.

Music, an expression of one or a few emotions and thoughts. It is therefore not created solely for the enjoyment of one in their own private time but created that the masses can be in sync with the people that produce or post the music. Music also has religious purposes. Such music gives the congregation a special feeling and fellowship. Buddhism uses music to further emphasize their values to their followers. Values of patience and compassion are being inculcated into various songs so that Buddhists can be constantly reminded of the need to practice such virtues.

Similarly, Christians and Catholics have hymns and songs of praises to praise the Lord and to remind them of the goodness and kindness of the Lord in their everyday life. Although Christian music has evolved from hymn to rock or any other modern genres, the purpose of their music is still the same, to bring people together and live the values espoused in the music collectively. Thus it would be silly to say that music is meant only for an individual’s own enjoyment when there is such a significant purpose of music that spreads across every major religion around the world.

Additionally, music is used to integrate people on so many levels; to throw music to the other end of the spectrum would be a gross generalisation. Music brings the world together. Karaoke is best enjoyed in a group. Music concerts become more entertaining when the group participates. Song contests and reality shows like American Idol, The Voice and Eurovision are all testament that music is a form of energy best heard loud and in a group.

Pop-punk listeners are generally a vibrant bunch. Country and Indie music listeners usually have a more emotional and kinder side to them. Music allows a peek into the listener’s personality. But the reality is that people find other music enthusiasts to connect and be friends. Thus even on an individual level, music is not primarily used for one’s private enjoyment only. Sure, headphones and in-ear devices have been made for private enjoyment, but primarily, it is the collective synchronicity that makes music worthwhile. 

Some people use music to distress or relax. Classical music can soothe the mind. One can argue that such music is adhered to individual needs and provides the outlet through which one can address and satisfy one’s needs. Gym enthusiasts have their own playlists to help enhance their workout, and heartbroken lovers can seek a special song to soothe their soul.  Music in all its capabilities and connotations does provide for the avenue to address one’s emotions and even change them, but the truth is that music is constructed for the masses and not an individual.

While opportunities exist for music to be privately enjoyed, the reason for its existence is a collective one. Music is a glue that binds generations and even religious groups. While we individually may hear a bird chirp, it in reality chirps for the whole world. The same is with music. Music is meant for collective enjoyment, not private.

“The individual today is powerless in protecting his right to privacy.” How far would you agree with this statement?

The general belief today is that our right to privacy is an illusion – something seemingly sacred, but in reality, non-existent. Individuals living in today’s world are powerless in protecting their right to privacy. It is widely known and possibly accepted, that in order to coexist in a safe and efficient society, we have to give up information about ourselves and our lives for reasons such as convenience. Sometimes, people even share their private lives willingly for the pleasure or benefit of others. However, it may be argued that by becoming more aware of how systems operate in society around them, individuals can indeed try to protect their right to privacy, albeit to a small extent.

One of the most commonly cited reasons for an invasion of privacy is that it is a sacrifice made in the pursuit of a larger goal, that is, national security. In the name of national security, government agents or other parties involved justify their acts of digging into our most private lives – telephone conversations and emails. In certain institutions, security cameras watch our every move and breathe. More commonly around the world, security officials in airports are permitted to rummage through passengers’ bags and personal belongings. Since such acts of invasion of privacy are

often state-warranted and hence legal, it can be argued that the individual is powerless to protect himself against them. From another point of view, these security measures may not be seen as a threat to an individual’s right to privacy since the information that governments aim to gather – political inclinations, terrorist connections, plans for acts of violence or rebellion – is not the typical information an average individual would be seeking to keep private. From this perspective, there would be no clash of interests between the government and citizens where privacy is concerned.

Often times in today’s world, an individual gives up his right to privacy without even being aware of doing so. For example, filling out a form asking for our personal particulars inadvertently leads to information about ourselves that can be used or abused. When this happens, it can be said that the individual is powerless in protecting his right to privacy because if he does not know something is happening, how can he fight it? In the fast-paced world where information can be transferred in the blink of an eye, corporations are cashing in on opportunities to trade information for money or even for more information. For example, it is common for banks to exchange credit card client information.  This results in the barrage of targeted advertising that may even seem impressive.  The solution is simple: people should educate themselves about how information that they give up about themselves can and will be used by organizations. Then, they can think twice before signing-up for freebies or participating in a contest. The reality is that private information has become a bargaining chip, a negotiation tool that is exchanged for the worldly conveniences that we so desire such as access to games, news and even movies.

While examining how powerless an individual is in protecting his right to privacy, it would be prudent to also examine how much an individual today wants that power. Does the majority of the world today really seek to protect their privacy? The general consensus is, no. If an individual is not seeking to protect his privacy in the first place, it is no wonder that he finds himself powerless and justifiably so.

In order to conform and to exist as a good citizen in a civilized society, an individual has to surrender some of his right to privacy to the government. Assuming the government is benevolent, information gathered would be justly used for the greater good. Any further divulgence of information to other sources is done at the choice of an informed individual. Therefore, while one can concede that the individual today is powerless in protecting his right to privacy, it is also prudent also acknowledge that he is not entirely powerless in making the decision to give up some of that power.

GP Essay Outlines

GP Essay Outlines for Media, Ageis

GP Essay Outline 1: The media have exaggerated the importance of sport. Do you agree?

Sport in today’s increasingly commercialized world has gone wayward. Athletes no longer train immeasurable hours for pure adrenaline but for cold hard cash. Media coverage on sport has become a 24×7 party that highlights what sells and casts aside sportsmanship and other ideals arising from the sport. The media has indeed exaggerated the importance of sport today.

T.S 1 Commercialism has made sport a lucrative multi-billion dollar business.
T.S 2 Sporting victories have become an outlet for nationalism thanks to media coverage.
T.S 3 Sport still performs its noble function in school and amateur sports.

GP Essay Outline 2:Science encourages doubt; religion quells it. How far do you agree?

Religion is based on the intangible substance of faith and belief. Some quarters opine that religion has a numbing narcotic effect on scientific progress. But this is a narrow-minded and myopic claim. Religion does not stifle inquiry, in fact, science and religion work hand-in-hand to encourage probing of possibilities.

T.S 1 Critics will often cite the restrictions placed on Copernicus and Galileo and how the church tried to stop their research. However, this argument is old and inapplicable to the huge leaps science has made since the early 1600s.
T.S 2 Morals and ethics have guided science even in modern times.
T.S.3. Science can cure religion of error and superstition; religion can cure science of idolatry and false absolutes.

GP Essay Outline 3: Science, unlike religion, promises more than it delivers. Do you agree?

The history of mankind and its progress has been marked by both spiritual and material progress. Two radically different philosophical worldviews have emerged as catalysts and products of such progress: the empirical method of science and the more spiritual one of religion. But the truth of the matter is that science has not delivered as much as it has promised.

T.S.1. Religious pundits will assert that science has failed as it is unable to explain many phenomena’s.
T.S.2. We have received material progress from science.
T.S.3. Religion promises salvation and has developed society along moral lines.

GP Essay Outline 4: We worship the young and scorn the old. What is your view?

In a world where media constantly promotes the young while allowing the old to be largely relegated to the background, it would seem as though our culture is one that worships the young and scorns the old. But the reality in our ageing world is that old is gold. It is the old that actually commands attention today.

T.S.1. The obsession with the pursuits of the young are fuelled by media.
T.S.2. The old are worshipped as they hold tremendous financial power.
T.S.3. Older folk have much experience that is useful in industry and at home.

GP Essay Outline 5: A profit-driven mass media is more vibrant than a government-regulated one. Discuss.

When money or politics serve as the sole impetus for the production of mass media, then it eventuates in the ending of all variety, choice and vibrancy.  The real solution for sustaining life in mass media lies in the use of media to disseminate a wide variety of information and knowledge.

T.S.1. The modus operandi of commercial media is governed by corporate sponsors.
T.S.2. Government-regulated mass media is also dangerously focused on funding the growth of particular political motives. t.s.3. Government driven media cannot avoid censorship
T.S.3. Government driven media cannot avoid censorship.

GP Essay Outline 6: Do moral standards impede the progress of science?

Science has to adhere to rules to ensure that it can progress. Progress in science should not be contingent upon immorality and depravity. It would be superfluous to say that the progress of science has been impeded by morals.

T.S.1. The use of animals in clinical trials have been the bane of scientific progress.
T.S.2. Scientific progress, the driving force for the majority of the changes witnessed in the 21st century, requires a critical mind, free of prejudice and open to new ways of thinking. 
T.S.3. The debate surrounding embryonic stem cells is not the only example of an ethical controversy born out of scientific research. Genetically modified (GM) plants have also stirred a growing public controversy.

Rivalry brings out the best in one. Discuss.

Rivalry is a part of life which everyone experiences at one point or the other. Rivalry has the potential to bring out the best and worst in people. Rivalry leads people to compete and encourages them to be better than their rivals. On the other hand, rivalry can lead to tunnel vision and can also lead to unethical behaviour. Therefore, rivalry brings out the best in people in terms of competition and development but it also has the potential to bring out the worst in them through traits like selfishness and violence.

Rivalry with peers leads to increased competition and the determination to improve. Rivalry brings out the best in people as they strive to improve. For example, the competitive structure of education keeps students motivated to indulge in healthy competition with peers to score better and strive for better grades. Similarly, rivalry can also lead people to be motivated and try to be better at school. Healthy rivalry keeps a sense of enthusiasm among people to prove their skills against the best talent. Therefore, the rivalry has the potential to bring out the best in people as it motivates them to improve.

However, rivalry also has a flip side. Rivalry pressures people to do best and can be a cause of stress. Rivalry, when taken too seriously, can take a toll on people’s health. For example, unhealthy competition creates stress and affects job performance and motivation of employees. Rivalry can also bring out negative emotions like jealousy that can lead people to take extreme steps. For example, in 2018, An Indian bank executive was killed by his colleague over professional rivalry because he received more promotions. It can be seen that in some cases rivalry makes life more difficult and lead to issues like anxiety, worry, and self-doubt. Therefore, rivalry brings out the worst in people by impacting them psychologically.

Rivalries can also bring out the worst in people as they develop a tunnel vision. When two individuals or groups are in constant rivalry with each other they might ignore other threats that can hinder their progress. For example, beverage giants Coke and Pepsi were so much in competition with each other that they missed the emergence of increasingly popular energy and health drink brands like Dr Pepper and Red Bull. Both these brands measured their success based on how they stacked up against each other. This also led to a preoccupation that they ignored other competitive threats. Therefore, rivalry can bring out the worst in people as it leads to unnecessary tussle and tunnel vision.

Rivalry brings out the worst in people because it can lead to unethical behaviour. Sometimes rivalry can blind a person completely. This may lead to people to go to the extent of using dirty tactics to reach our goal. For instance, Luis Suarez a footballer has been known to use dirty tactics like diving, biting, stamping to distract his opponents and win at any cost. Apart from that, there have been multiple incidents where athletes have chosen dirty tactics to win against opponents. For example, in boxing or even tennis, players are known to weaken the opponent’s concentration by insulting or verbally intimidating them This extreme rivalry can bring out the worst in people where they forget ethical behaviour because they want to win at any cost.

In conclusion, rivalry can bring out the best in people by being an effective motivator for achievement, effort and performance. However, extreme rivalries can only be detrimental to the well-being of an individual as it can lead to unethical behaviour. Therefore, rivalry should be encouraged only to a certain extent. Rivalry if unchecked can lead to negative behaviour which could lead to the destruction of the human race.  

Can patriotism be taught?

Many believe that young people today are less patriotic today. They argue that young people view their country more negatively than older generations. They believe that the reason behind this is the younger generation is not taught to respect their country and be patriotic. However, patriotism is an enlarged and extended form of love for one’s country which cannot be forced upon people. One should be patriotic not because they were taught to do so but because an individual considers themselves to be part of the country. Therefore, it can be contended that patriotism cannot be taught to a large extent because only through the citizen’s personal development and experiences will they be willing to sacrifice and contribute to the wellbeing of their country.

In many countries across the world, governments try to integrate patriotism in the educational curriculum. Patriotism is taught in schools by singing the national anthem, repeating the national pledge and even by teaching historical events that happened in the country. However, this association of education with patriotism is not correct as it makes people rigid in their views and opinions. The concept of patriotism is unique to every person and the idea of loving one’s country can differ from one person to another. For some being proud of the military is patriotism and for the others supporting the athletes who are representing the country at international level is patriotism. The aim of drilling patriotism in young people’s mind is ineffective because in using education when we try to integrate patriotism it can also lead to distortion of facts. For example, in countries like Pakistan history text books present a very skewed view of the India-Pakistan partition and war. Therefore, patriotism should not be taught instead young people should be given an opportunity to love and respect their country through personal experiences.

Patriotism through rigid and repetitive exercise can acquaint one with patriotism, but may not fully convince them.

Teaching patriotism does not work because when it is taught the efforts are taken for granted. When patriotism is taught through acts like singing national anthem and holding flags, then patriotism is taken for granted. This is because the true meaning behind patriotism is lost and people do not really understand the sacrifice of the freedom fighters. Patriotism when taught leads people to respect a country only for a moment. This is evident from the fact that in many countries people only celebrate national day or Independence Day like a holiday without understanding the true meaning behind it. The meaning behind patriotism cannot be taught and therefore the efforts of instilling patriotism are futile. Moreover, when people are taught patriotism, they might just follow the trend instead of really respecting or loving the country. Therefore, patriotism should not be taught because it does not truly make a person patriotic.

Patriotism can only be learned through personal experiences and struggles. Patriotism that consists of the experiences people have living in their country can be a life-long learning experience. Only through their experiences, people feel more inclined to love and respect their country. For example, during the Covid19 pandemic, many governments encouraged citizens to buy local products. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the call for “vocal for local”. Similarly, French citizens were asked to fulfil their patriotic duty and eat more cheese to help the dairy industry amid the coronavirus. Furthermore, citizens of many countries maintained social distancing and staying at home so that their country can emerge victorious in the battle with coronavirus. Hence, it is not essential for education to teach patriotism. Rather, patriotism is an ideal which has to grow within individuals through experience.

From a practical perspective, young people can be taught about historical events that can build a sense of patriotism and national identity among the youth. The events can also serve as lessons that help in guiding the young into the future. The knowledge of a country’s history can serve as a source of inspiration for people. The organic nature of patriotism can be seen at sports meets and even in cuisine. The Iranians show excessive pride for their wrestling athletes as do the Russians for their gymnasts. Brazilians believe that their soccer team is endowed with supernatural abilities by the soccer Gods, while the New Zealand rugby team proudly perform their Hakka to show strength and pride.

Singaporeans and Malaysians constantly argue over who makes better chicken rice and other hawker food staples like satay and crab curry. In 2014, the Israelis set the record for the largest plate of hummus, cooking some 4,000 kilos of the stuff. A few months later, Lebanon responded with a humongous 10,000-kilo dish. Countries have argued over the origins of the pavlova, kimchi and even cheese. These aspects cannot be taught but are felt in every living fibre of the patriot.

Thus, patriotism cannot be taught through education or by singing the national anthem. It has to develop in individuals voluntarily in order for ideals of patriotism to be deeply rooted. As the world becomes flatter, it is difficult to wave the flag of patriotism as people become more connected through movies, music and even muses. While teaching patriotism can be considered a starting point to imbibe in each citizen the fervour to love their country, the overall nature of patriotism is that it has to be felt, consumed and defended particularly when pride is at stake.

A-Level Essay Questions

A-Level Essay Questions. Have a look at these A-Level Essay Questions from Past Year General Paper Prelims.

  1. ‘A picture is always more powerful than mere words.’ What is your view?
  2. To what extent do the newspapers and magazines that you read deal with what is trivial, rather than with what is important?
  3. ‘The world would be a better place if everyone spoke the same language.’ Discuss
  4. Should crimes that were committed many years ago simply be forgotten?
  5. ‘Advertisements are often entertaining, but they rarely affect consumer choice.’ Is this your experience?
  6. ‘The view of the majority is always right.’ Do you agree?
  7. ‘The pen is mightier than the sword.’ Can written language really be so powerful?
  8. Can the view of the supernatural be sustained in our modern world?
  9. Discuss the view that too much faith is placed in statistics.
  10. How important are dreams?
  11. To what extent is design important in your society?
  12. Are certain types of writing superior to others?
  13. ‘Fashion is as much a good thing as a bad thing’. To what extent do you agree?
  14. As long as people in the public eye do their job well, does it matter what they do in private?
  15. Assess the impact of foreign films or foreign TV programmes on culture of your society.

Public figures have to behave well at all times. Do you agree?

The 24×7 media today has placed public figures and celebrities constantly in the public eye. Their every move and action is scrutinized and analysed. This constant analysis of their life has a huge impact on the people who follow and sometimes worship them. Thus, it is fair to say that public figures should behave well most of the time as their actions have the power to influence people particularly when sections of the public look up to them as role models.

Public figures have to behave responsibly because they are accountable for the reputation of the body they represent. In political scenarios, this is extremely true because any misconduct can lead to public distrusting the political party. For example, in the United States, Senator Al Franken had to resign when several women accused him of behaving inappropriately with them. After the allegations surfaced, more than two dozen Democratic senators called on Franken to resign. Similarly, United States politician, Tim Murphy, an outspoken opponent of abortion was revealed to have strongly encouraged his mistress to get an abortion when she became pregnant. This accusation led him to resign from the party he was representing. These examples illustrate how inappropriate behaviour even in private lives can wreak havoc on their credibility and integrity. Public figures should not forget that their actions can have severe consequences as even a small detail can become big news. Thus, it is true that public figures should behave well all the time as their mistakes can damage the reputation of a political party and raise questions about their credibility. 

Public figures also need to behave well all the time as they need to develop mutual trust. Successful public figures in the public eye need to build an image that shows they support family values. For example, the duke and duchess of Cambridge are always seen together with their kids. Many believe that the family is the picture of perfection, always upholding royal standards where even their kids have likely never been photographed crying. Despite being royals, their down to earth nature has made them famous among the commoners. On the same note, Leonardo DiCaprio has gained a huge fan following because of his image as a celebrity who takes care of the environment and animals. Even at the Oscars, DiCaprio chose to talk about environmental issues and won the hearts of millions. These examples illustrate how society expects public figures to be worthy and standing for all the right issues. Thus, public figures need to behave well all the time because they need to gain the trust of millions.

Public figures are looked up to by followers as role models and they need to behave well to set a good example. Public figures have a huge influence on people’s behaviour. Many look up to sportspersons, singers and actors as role models and emulate their behaviour. In such a case it is a moral duty of public figures to behave in an appropriate manner all the time so that they can have a positive impact on society. Singer Lorde, for instance, called out a Photoshopped image of herself on Twitter. With the image, she tweeted that it is important to remember that flaws are okay. Through this tweet, she influenced the body-image discussion for the better and promoted body positivity. On the other hand, celebrities like Kim Kardashian have faced severe backlash for selling and promoting products like, Appetite Suppressant Lollipops and have been accused of being a ‘toxic influence’ on youngsters who are impressionable and face the constant pressure of looking a certain way. Public figures need to realise that they have a responsibility towards society, as their followers would want to dress, act, be like them. Therefore, it is necessary for public figures to behave well all the time because they can influence the behaviour and actions of people in society.

In conclusion, it can be said that celebrities should behave well most of the time because their behaviour can have positive and negative impacts. Public figures who seek the benefits of fame must be able to take the downside of public interrogation. Public figures hold huge power and thus are accountable for their behaviour which can negatively influence people around them and society at large. To say a celebrity is not responsible for his or her actions is saying that as human beings, our lives aren’t all somehow connected.

“The Road Less Travelled” (M. Scott Peck) Is being different overrated?

In the modern world, people believe that being unique is a gift. Since a very young age, people are encouraged to be different so that they can achieve greater things in life. On the other hand, there are people who believe that being different is overrated. They argue that society values sameness and being different leads person being excluded and teased by people. Disagreeing with this view it can be said that being different and celebrating people’s uniqueness is not overrated. This is because individuals need to be different so that they can bring unique skills and ideas that can lead to the development of a society. Therefore, being different is not overrated.

When a country chooses to be different than others then it can reap economic benefits. With a changing environment, it is important to be different. Singapore is an example of this. Singapore initially had an entrepot economy but when other countries like Hongkong were adopting the same policy, the country realised the need to be different. Singapore encouraged a diverse economy and free trade, which helped Singapore attract a free flow of foreign investment and multinational giants. ​Today, the economic development of Singapore is considered to be one of the greatest success stories in history. Furthermore, Singapore has become the only Asian country to achieve a higher per capita gross domestic product than the United States because of its emphasis on diversification and innovation. If the country did not adopt a different economic policy then it would have not achieved the success that it enjoys today. Therefore, being different is not as overrated as in terms of a country it can help it to benefit economically.

Being different also leads to innovation and unique business ideas. Most businessmen who are successful have always been different in their idiosyncrasies. They have strived to create something that is unique and valuable. For example, if Steve Jobs did not have a different business plan and an innovative product to offer it would have not been as successful as it is today. Steve Jobs emphasis on innovation, expanded the company into new areas, including the music industry and redefined the world of mobile phones. Similarly, being unique allows people to come up with innovative solutions. For example, Colonel Sanders adopted the usage of pressure fryer instead of an iron skillet to create a fried chicken recipe that the world enjoys today. If he had not come up with a different approach and idea to change a simple recipe it would not have allowed him to become successful at the age of 74. Thus, being different is necessary is it leads to innovative and creative ideas that can benefit the world.

Being different allows to keep the artistic culture alive in a country. In many rich countries, people are encouraged to take up science and maths as they are considered profitable in the long-term. However, people who are different and follow their passion in the field of arts can benefit society in a unique way. People who work in the arts sector like design, painting, fashion and photography help to keep the culture of a country alive and vibrant. Furthermore, if everyone took up science and maths there would not be enough diversity in the workforce. Moreover, if everyone was a scientist and a mathematician the job market would be saturated which would drive up unemployment. Thus, it is necessary to be different even while selecting careers and take the road that is less travelled as it helps people to succeed.

Some might argue that being different is not always as good as society values sameness. This is true to a certain extent because people are often bullied or treated differently because of their uniqueness. An example of this can be seen across societies where people from different cultures, religions, genders, ethnicities and nationalities are treated differently. There are multiple incidents in schools where children are bullied and teased for being different. Critics argue that being different is overrated because it leads to exclusion and bullying.

However, these differences and discrimination can be a driving force for some to do something different. People who choose to be different in the face of adversity can inspire others to be different. For example, Malala Yousafzai chose to stand for the right of girls to gain an education after the Taliban had banned them from attending school. She was shot in the head but survived the attack and is doing pioneering work for girl’s education. Similarly, Nelson Mandela led the fight against South Africa’s apartheid regime – a system of racial segregation which oppressed the black majority. However, his methods inspired others to go from racism to pluralism without stopping for revenge. Therefore, being different allows people to offer new perspectives, and actions that are instrumental in positively impacting the world.

In conclusion, being different is not overrated to a large extent. Being different is necessary so that the individual can contribute to society in unique ways. Furthermore, if countries are different in their policies then it can lead to the economic and social development of countries. It is true that being different can come with its unique set of challenges however what is needed is to adapt and face the challenges and continue to inspire others.