I] Myths and heroes

Im going to talk about the notion of myths and heroes. To begin with Id like to
give a definition of those two words. A myth can be defined as a story about gods
or heroes, it can be a popular belief or a tradition or a false notion. A hero can be
a mythological figure, a person who is admired for his or her achievements, a
superhero or maybe a role model or an icon. To what extent do myths represent
societys values? To introduce this topic, I will firstly talk about the founding
myths. Secondly, it will be necessary to focus on myths and heroes as factors of
social cohesion.

I. Founding myths
Some of us reinvent, again and again, myths that form our societies in order to
rewrite and resize heroes who represent them.
In the first place, there is the Arthurian myth in England. Those legends were first
described by Geoffroy de Monmouth and Chrtien de Troyes. Later, several
authors and poets appropriated these texts in order to show the nobility of their
people, or simply to pay homage to them. Le Morte dArthur1 by Sir Thomas
Malory illustrates King Arthurs life. We think that he wrote these two books
during his stay in prison. His main sources for his work included Arthurian French
prose romances, Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain.
Then, we can talk about the American dream. This is about the idea that
everything is possible if you work hard you gonna have prosperity and success.
American dream is an ideal and a concept sought after by colonists who came to
seek wealth and glory. In Wrecking Ball, Bruce Springsteen illustrates this idea
with his song called American Land2. Reading lyrics, the protagonist is someone
who left his job behind him to start from scratch. He believes in the American
Dream.
Founding myths can be found in different countries. And the fact that many
people think the same can bring them closer together.

II. Factor of Social Cohesion

Social Cohesion is a term invented by Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist. It

refers to the nature and intensity of the social relations that exist between
members of the same society.
To begin with, Im gonna talk about the American way of life. The expression
refers to the lifestyle of Americans developed from the 17th century. Its
popularization took place during the Cold War (1947-1991) in order to distinguish
the American and Russian policies (ex-USSR). During this conflict, in 1937,
Margaret Bourke-White shot a photo3 in Louisville, Kentucky. It reads There's no
way like the American Way.
Next, well go to Canada. The Suburban is a weekly Canadian newspaper. In one
of their article, it reads about the American suburb4 and I quote: The suburb is
one of Americas most treasured stereotypes. Writers can argue whether suburbs
are the apotheosis of the American Dream or a suffocating nightmare of
sameness, but theres general agreement on their defining characteristics.
(Barack Obama) office of urban policy promises to be the generator of that
strategy. It allows getting closer.
In conclusion, myths represent societies values so that people are reinventing
myths, and heroes, to give them an image specific to their culture.

II] Locations and forms of power

Im going to talk about the notion of locations and forms of power. To begin with
Id like to give a definition of power. Power is the ability to control others, events,
or resources; the ability to make things happen despite obstacles, resistance, or
opposition. This of course leads to conflict between those who have power and
those who dont. By what means can power be used? To introduce this topic, I will
firstly talk about the abuse of power. Secondly, it will be necessary to focus on
people who protest against that control.

I. Abuse of power
Some people use every possible means, even the most abject, to prove their
domination.
Important people in all countries, such as senators in the United States, tend to
express their point of view in a very crude way. For example, In February 1950,
Senator Joe McCarthy claimed that the Soviets had infiltrated American. At the
time, in war against the USSR the United States wants to avoid any
rapprochement with the enemy. So, Senator McCarthy claims5 communist
infiltration and try to convince people to rise up against this threat.
But all of this may increase the criminality. Enacted by the 18th Amendment of
the American Constitution, Prohibition in the United States6 signs the prohibition
to manufacture, transport, import, export and sell alcohol. Established on January
29, 1919, this measure was aimed at reducing crime and corruption. But during
this period, Mafiosi and other drug dealers became much more numerous and
dangerous than before.
Power may be very dangerous. Thats the reason why some people protest
against that.

II. Protesting against power

Having great power brings great responsibilities. However, the ways in which
they are carried out are not suitable for everyone.
North-South divides lines were increased in the United States. During the
American Civil War (1861 - 1865), two camps clashed. Thus, the United States of
America, led by Abraham Lincoln, and the Confederate States of America, led by
Jefferson Davis, are opposed. North, more protectionist, was much richer than
South who wanted to trade with Europe. Feed the world7 by Banksy really shows
what the discrepancies are able to do. Overweight people are in colors while the
rest of the drawing, especially the child pulling the plow, is gray.
We must not forget the racial protests in the United States. Martin Luther King
was a chief in the Civil Rights Movement. Hes most famous with his I have a
dream speech8. In which he advocates judgment on the color of their
character rather than that of our skin. He died on April 4, 1968. He was
discovered by friends on the balcony of his hotel room with a bullet in his neck.
St. Joseph's Hospital officially declared him dead at 7:05 pm.

To conclude, people tend to abuse the power given to them. Unfortunately, this
often leads to the death of others.

III] The idea of progress

Im going to talk about the idea of progress. To begin with Id like to give a
definition of this notion. The idea of progress can be defined as an improvement,
a development or a change - a technical, scientific or social advance which
contributes to improve the world. To what extent progress is a good thing? To
introduce this topic, I will firstly talk about technological progress. Secondly, it will
be necessary to focus on social progress.
I. When technology comes into action
Technological progress may frighten but it helps so much. Just like scientific
progress.
On the one hand, we can mention the rise of social networks. All virtual means
(internet) used to link natural persons or legal entities with one another. We can
mention Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram Social networks are often blamed.
But, they have qualities. Tamar Lewin wrote an article about it on
http://www.nytimes.com/9. According to its sources, networks are not such a bad
thing.
On the other hand, we can talk about science babies. Previously, women and men
who could not rejoice at the arrival of a baby lamented and were torn by this bad
news. From now on, these people will be able to turn to science to have one.
During the scholar year, we have read a text about designed babies. CHS Globe
online10, January 29th, 2010 who reads that people can choose everything about
their baby (hair color, eyes color, size). This "luck" comes back only to the
richest. The children "dustbins", which they do not wish to have, are given to the
poorest. But, social progress can remedy it.

II. Social progress follows closely

Social progress is more admired and less fearful.
Social progress is the search for an improvement in the living conditions of the
human being through a change in social organization. In the USA, during his
mandate, President Obama established its Obama Care or Health Insurance
Reform11. Since January 1st 2014, all Americans must have health insurance.
Donald Trump abrogated it as soon as it came to power leaving thousands of
Americans without health insurance.
Some people want equal rights. In England, women were not allowed to vote until
July 1928. This was mainly due to an organization. The Women's Social and
Political Union (WSPU) 12 is an organization that has advocated women's right to
vote in the United Kingdom. Although, a film was shot in their favor. It focuses
mainly on female activists for the womens right to vote. Constrained by a
government against their choices, these women opt for violence in order to make
their demands heard. They are aware of the stakes: they risk losing their jobs,
their families, their lives ... But nothing stops them.
To conclude, the notion of progress can be seen in different ways. For some
people, it moves humanity forward and for others, it means destruction.