Introduction
In the works by Ben Healy and Chitra Divakaruni, the authors focus on the leading social problems of the moment, which are increasingly prevalent in modern culture. Among these problems, the authors include the prevalence of gossip, the increase in the number of homeless people on the streets, and the risk of an increase in the number of mass shootings. By analyzing the writings by Ben Healy and Chitra Divakaruni, it is possible to find textual evidence of why such negative tendencies persist and how they may develop further. The authors also express their view that society needs to collectively contribute to solving these problems through dialogue and concrete actions.
Analysis
In his essay “Gossip Is Good,” Ben Healy seeks to refute prevailing public beliefs about gossip. The author argues that gossip is an essential and integral aspect of human communication, even though it has negative consequences. Ben Healy suggests that readers review their views on gossip and be more loyal to them. The author is convinced that gossip can serve as an auxiliary tool in the process of building social bonds, and even gossip known to have malicious intent on the part of man can unite around him a circle of like-minded people.
Moreover, for the most part, even among evil people, gossip serves to improve their self-opinion rather than to denigrate others’ reputations, so the destructive power of this problem can be exaggerated in society (Hartung, Freda-Marie, et al.). First of all, in traditional culture, gossip is seen as a way to fuel disagreement and conflict. Nevertheless, gossip can be an impetus for a person to improve themselves, as it can prompt them to change their behavior for the better.
The second problem is discussed in Chitra Divakaruni’s essay, “Live Free and Starve,” and it is related to the spread of homelessness and illegal child labor. The author argues that policies aimed at reducing child labor may be detrimental to developing countries and suggests that a more detailed study of legislation designed to protect children from such activities be undertaken. Divakaruni proposes considering the example of Nimai, who worked at home in Calcutta. She explains that, while working conditions were far from ideal, they provided children with an alternative to avoid desperation. The author is convinced that the consequences of good-faith laws can be disastrous if there are no real alternatives to work.
An urgent problem for modern society is also the issue of mass shootings, which are gaining popularity, especially among young people. This problem can already be described as a global social issue, with a context that extends well beyond one country. The increase in the frequency of these events is due to the insufficient attention paid by society to controlling the carrying and distribution of firearms and knives. In addition, people who choose to take up arms often have problems related to social pressure from society or mental health problems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Healy and Divakaruni’s essays encourage readers to revise them, allowing them to reflect on contemporary issues relevant to society and to consider whether all their implications are genuinely global and dire. If the problem of mass shootings is indeed the subject of political debate, as these actions have devastating consequences, the issue of gossip and the rise of homelessness and child labor requires further consideration. To reach a common conclusion, society needs to be constantly in dialogue with itself and with politicians to determine whether all tendencies should be perceived negatively and whether they demand changes in certain aspects.
Work Cited
Hartung, Freda-Marie, et al. “Better than Its Reputation? Gossip and the Reasons Why We and Individuals with ‘Dark’ Personalities Talk about Others.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 10, 2019.