“Change is all things is sweet.” What is your view?
At first glance, this statement seems to ring true. After all, isn’t change something
favourable, something that we should all welcome with open arms? If not for changes in
government, most of the countries under the Soviet Union would still be under communist
rule. If not for changes in perceptions of women, most women would still be relegated to
being ornamental trophies, far beneath their potential. If not for changes in communications
and technology, most of us would never have the chance to step outside our own little world.
Thus I do agree that changes in most things are beneficial and should be encouraged, yet I
too feel that there are some instances where change is not beneficial but instead detrimental
as most people are more likely to resist change more often than not.
Changes in perceptions and social norms is of course, in most cases, beneficial and high
encouraged. The gradual realisation of men that women are capable enough to hold their
own in the workforce has resulted in more women working in the world today than any time
in the past, as well as more female politicians appearing, from Germany’s Angela Merkel to
Australia’s Julia Gillard. The gradual realisation of the non-superiority of the whites over the
blacks has resulted in equal opportunities provided made possible in most parts of the world,
with United States having its first ever black president Barack Obama in 2008. These
changes in perceptions and revamping of social norms have caused many to be able to
realise their true potential after being unfairly stifled in the past due to discriminatory
attitudes. Thus, in this aspect of destroying most forms of discrimination whether racial,
gender or religion, change is very sweet indeed.
Changes in government are more likely to also be sweet, even if the process of change itself
is not. As one can clearly see from the protests in Egypt, the conflict in Syria and the
destruction in Libya, the road to change may be bumpy at best, treacherous at worst. The
process of change may cause great strife, but that is the price that most people of the Middle
East are willing to pay in order to see a change in government, an improvement in financial
stability and a return of their rights as human beings. The overthrowing of authoritarian
governments in the region in order to establish democratic governments expresses the hope
and desire for a change in living conditions. Over a hundred countries in the world are
democracies, making it the most popular form of governments worldwide - simply because
democracies support change, and in most cases, change is often favoured and welcomed
among most people. As such, changes in governance are more likely to be beneficial,
because if there is no change, improvements are unlikely to happen. With improvements
made because of change, naturally, change is sweet.
Change also brings about acceptance in most cases. The change in attitudes towards
homosexuals in more countries has resulted in greater acceptance of gay marriages
worldwide, with America legalising gay marriage across the country. Even locally in
Singapore, The Pink Dot movement, one that campaigns for the right to be loved regardless
of sexual orientation, has spread to other major cities in the world. The shift in perspective
on certain issues like homosexuality has positive effects on the minority and the oppressed
as they are increasingly accepted into society. Hence, with change leading to a more
compassionate and humane society that accepts others who are different, change is indeed
sweet.
At first glance, this statement seems to ring true. After all, isn’t change something
favourable, something that we should all welcome with open arms? If not for changes in
government, most of the countries under the Soviet Union would still be under communist
rule. If not for changes in perceptions of women, most women would still be relegated to
being ornamental trophies, far beneath their potential. If not for changes in communications
and technology, most of us would never have the chance to step outside our own little world.
Thus I do agree that changes in most things are beneficial and should be encouraged, yet I
too feel that there are some instances where change is not beneficial but instead detrimental
as most people are more likely to resist change more often than not.
Changes in perceptions and social norms is of course, in most cases, beneficial and high
encouraged. The gradual realisation of men that women are capable enough to hold their
own in the workforce has resulted in more women working in the world today than any time
in the past, as well as more female politicians appearing, from Germany’s Angela Merkel to
Australia’s Julia Gillard. The gradual realisation of the non-superiority of the whites over the
blacks has resulted in equal opportunities provided made possible in most parts of the world,
with United States having its first ever black president Barack Obama in 2008. These
changes in perceptions and revamping of social norms have caused many to be able to
realise their true potential after being unfairly stifled in the past due to discriminatory
attitudes. Thus, in this aspect of destroying most forms of discrimination whether racial,
gender or religion, change is very sweet indeed.
Changes in government are more likely to also be sweet, even if the process of change itself
is not. As one can clearly see from the protests in Egypt, the conflict in Syria and the
destruction in Libya, the road to change may be bumpy at best, treacherous at worst. The
process of change may cause great strife, but that is the price that most people of the Middle
East are willing to pay in order to see a change in government, an improvement in financial
stability and a return of their rights as human beings. The overthrowing of authoritarian
governments in the region in order to establish democratic governments expresses the hope
and desire for a change in living conditions. Over a hundred countries in the world are
democracies, making it the most popular form of governments worldwide - simply because
democracies support change, and in most cases, change is often favoured and welcomed
among most people. As such, changes in governance are more likely to be beneficial,
because if there is no change, improvements are unlikely to happen. With improvements
made because of change, naturally, change is sweet.
Change also brings about acceptance in most cases. The change in attitudes towards
homosexuals in more countries has resulted in greater acceptance of gay marriages
worldwide, with America legalising gay marriage across the country. Even locally in
Singapore, The Pink Dot movement, one that campaigns for the right to be loved regardless
of sexual orientation, has spread to other major cities in the world. The shift in perspective
on certain issues like homosexuality has positive effects on the minority and the oppressed
as they are increasingly accepted into society. Hence, with change leading to a more
compassionate and humane society that accepts others who are different, change is indeed
sweet.
