Megan Stephenson

IS101 36: Etzioni

26 October 2016

Change and Etzioni

Society is changing, and the meaning of community has changed. Some social norms that
used to be set have shifted. I believe that many of these shifts are a result of mass events and/or a
multitude of personal experiences among citizens. For example, after 9/11 and various terrorist
attacks, airport security has increased significantly. Another shift can be seen through the
evaluation of living communities. If there is an increase of crime or violence in a neighborhood
people often lock their doors, but those who feel they are in a safe neighborhood tend to be
unconcerned whether their door is locked or not. People adapt to and accept these shifts because
they believe it is helping create a safer, stronger community, however, these shifts and changes
can also be dangerous. Many people are beginning to focus only on themselves. Some of the
mindset that its not their problem, or not their job or duty. Others who do not focus only on
themselves, or those who wish to enforce social standards are afraid of ridicule. Because of this
fear, they tend to avoid speaking out. People are beginning to ridicule others more often than to
work with and attempt to understand them.
I chose the word change to represent Etzionis essay because of his discussion of what
society and communities are becoming and the trends they seem to follow. I believe that because
we live in a dynamic society, new social norms will be brought about often. Most people will
accept them, while others who do not will be fearful to speak out. Either way, change is
inevitable. Society will change for the greater good or society will change to uphold the strict
rules and settings that Etzioni outlines.