Transcendentalist Tenet: Non-Conformity

Artist: Jonas Brothers Song: I Am What I Am

I am what I am -I can't help myself -And if you don't like it -Get with somebody else -I'll never change my ways -It's not a phase -This is how it is and this is how it's gonna stay. The Jonas Brothers song, I Am What I Am, represents the transcendentalist tenet non-conformity. Nonconformity means being yourself and not following what others do and want you to be. The transcendentalists believed greatly in individualism, and this song is an excellent example of individualism and non-conformity. The quote A man must consider what a rich realm he abdicates when he becomes a conformist demonstrates Emersons ideas on being yourself and accepting who you are. This song and quote share similar meanings based on their creators valuing individualism and not conforming to society. Transcendentalist Tenet: Civil Disobedience Event: Tiananmen Square Massacre

The protests leading to the Tiananmen Square Massacre showed the world that the people of China began to feel a fundamental disconnect from their Communist government. Despite the Chinese government deploying its armed forces to dissolve the protests, a single man stood in the road to block the oncoming convoy of tanks approaching the square. The man, who would later become known as Tank Man, did not engage in any violent action against the Chinese military and was left unharmed by the military (he was later arrested by the government). Civil disobedience is the peaceful protest of something. The mans actions demonstrate the transcendentalist tenet civil disobedience because he used no violence to convey his views. This is perhaps the most important aspect of what he did because he is now known around the world. The quote If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law. by Thoreau relates to the video clip because Tank Man stood up against the government to prevent injustice in China, but was ultimately arrested for breaking the law. Transcendentalist Tenet: Self-Reliance Event: Reaching the peak of Mount Everest

The video clip of the hikers reaching the peak of Mount Everest in Nepal is an excellent representation of the transcendentalist tenet self-reliance. Self-reliance means that one must rely on themselves to accomplish a goal or dream. By making it to the peak of Mount Everest, the hikers demonstrated that they were able to transcend their goals due to the fact that they were so self-reliant. Accomplish such a difficult task in nature with relatively no help is an achievement that the transcendentalists would hail as a victory. The quote Nothing can bring you peace but yourself by Emerson highlights the belief that a person can accomplish great things by themselves. This relates to the video clip because the hikers had to bring about the accomplishment of getting to the top of the mountain by themselves. Transcendentalist Tenet: Confidence Movie: 300

The video clip from the movie represents a man who must overcome his fears and bring his army to battle against a powerful enemy. Confidence is the belief that you can do something. This video clip demonstrates the transcendentalist tenet confidence because it took great strength to rise up and attack the enemy. Even though the Spartans were eventually defeated by the Persians on the fields of Thermopylae, the Spartans had great courage in defending their home against the invaders. The quote If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours. by Thoreau relates to this video clip because of how the Spartans were confident enough that they could battle the Persian military in such small numbers. This led them to success in several battles.