This Blog is a resource tool for the students taking the "FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES" elective at Westborough High School, Westborough, Massachusetts.
Monday, February 7, 2011
PERIOD 3-"THE BEAR THAT WASN'T"
The other day you read The Bear That Wasn't by Frank Tashlin. Please share with the class your thoughts about the story and be sure to post at least one comment on another classmate's reflective post. Mr. Gallagher
46 comments:
Nicky Simard
said...
In the story The Bear that Wasn’t the author emphasizes society’s influence over individual’s identities. How society views a certain person can change how that person views oneself. The bear’s opinion of himself changed because of what others told him he was. The other people in the story told him enough times he wasn’t a bear that he began to believe he actually wasn’t. Usually the opinions of those in power are shared by the people below them because people like to be part of a larger group and like to conform to the accepted belief or idea in society. It takes a lot of courage for an individual to question a group’s believe or express their own opinion for fear they will be criticized or expelled from the group they belonged to previously. This short story shows many effects society has on people’s identities.
I thought this book did a great job discussion the themes of identity and society without being too formal. While it may be a picture book it also has a deeper maybe even hidden meaning of knowing who you are. When were younger our parents often read to us and we just like being read to often not fully comprehending what is being read to us. Reading this story now I realize that in fact it does have a deeper meaning than just a bear that was lost in a factory. Society has a huge impact on how we view ourselves and how other people view us. For example in the story the bear knew who he was in the beginning but the constant input from others around him made him doubt himself and at one point he completely changed his views of himself. Also the people that “knew better” were of a higher standing than he was which is often the case now a days. If someone in a higher power than you says something or does something to you, you will probably think you deserved it since they are above you.
In this short story, I thought that the author did an excellent job of describing how society can influence an individual. In the beginning of the book, the bear was completely confident that he was a bear, but after hearing from so many people that he was just a man in a fur coat, he eventually started to believe it. This story shows that you shouldn't care about what other people think, and that you are whoever you think that you are. Even though this was only a children's book, I believe that everyone can use the lessons that are taught in this story.
In this short story, I thought that the author did an excellent job of describing how society can influence an individual. In the beginning of the book, the bear was completely confident that he was a bear, but after hearing from so many people that he was just a man in a fur coat, he eventually started to believe it. This story shows that you shouldn't care about what other people think, and that you are whoever you think that you are. Even though this was only a children's book, I believe that everyone can use the lessons that are taught in this story.
In the story The Bear That Wasn't the author demonstrates the negative ways in which other peoples opinions can define you. In the beginning of the story when the bear is asked to get back to work he has a very strong sense of identity and knows who he is, but as more and more people tell him that he is not a bear, and as people in more powerful positions tell him hes not a bear, he loses his sense of identity and conforms to everyone else's beliefs. This is the same in modern society. People feel pressured to fit in and be the same as everyone else. If someone has an interest or passion that is not traditional in our society, it is easy to be pressured into conforming, and changing your personality.
In the story “The Bear That Wasn’t,” a bear that just awoke from hibernation to a factory built over and around his cave. He is faced with the question of who he really is and the challenge of accepting that fact. Although it took him a long time to figure out that he truly is a bear regardless of what other people say, it is better late than never. In the end of the story, the bear is much better off being a bear than when he thought he was a “silly man who needed to shave and take off his fur coat.” Despite what the higher powers, and even his own species said about him, he ended up going with his gut and realizing that he is and always will be a bear. I think that this realization hit when he was sitting outside in the freezing cold snow instead of hibernating as he should in the wintertime. Being comfortable with himself made him a much happier bear, and I think that all people can learn a lesson from the story.
This story kind of opened something up to me that has always been there, but I haven’t really noticed before. We all give into the weight of the need of being accepted in a group. I don’t feel as if it’s the lack of confidence in ourselves that makes us do this as some might think because not knowing who we are exactly is what keeps us from having that confidence. I feel as if it deals with a number of reasons like not knowing who we are so we go into that group’s views to see if that fits with us or we could be too scared to be alone. There are many possibilities depending on the situation. So aside from the deeper meaning to the story, I thought it was really cute!
This short story about a bear has a deep meaning about identity and how we define ourselves. It shows how people change to become a part of a group even if they have to change their personality or who they really are. The bear at first was confident that he was bear and kept telling everyone that’s what he was. Throughout the story however he became less and less sure that he was actually a bear. Everyone was telling him that he wasn’t and this caused the bear to have doubts about his identity. Society has a large impact on an individual and a person may change everything about themselves just to fit in to society. People may be scared to be unique and go against the group where they would then be considered an outsider or different from everybody else. An individual’s identity can be greatly affected by society.
I agree with Ivette that sometimes people will think that just because someone with higher authority than you tells you something, it is true. This is not always the case, proving the point in this short story. Sometimes, going with your gut is actually best. You should never take someone else's word on a matter especially if the voice inside you is telling you the opposite.
In response to Ivette's comment, I agree with the idea of thinking that someone of higher power knows whats best over your opinion. This ten causes us to go with their thoughts even though they could easily be wrong.
The Bear That Wasn’t points out the effects that our surroundings have on us. The bear was in a factory, not a circus or zoo, so when people saw him they couldn’t understand that he wasn’t a worker. They didn’t recognize him to be what he truly was. In our society people don’t understand or recognize others who don’t fit in with the majority of people. The bear was told so many times that he was not a bear by people with more power than him just like we are influenced by others who are more powerful than ourselves. Today we listen more to the media which tells us we have to be a certain way; a right way. Even though the bear was at first certain that he was a bear he second guessed himself after everyone told him he wasn’t. We think that when everyone else believes differently than us then they are right and we are wrong. The bear eventually believed that he wasn’t a bear. People get confused who they are when they are outside their environment. Once he’s removed from the factory and alone in the woods the bear realizes that he is in fact a bear and should hibernate. People are the same way; they are able to realize who they are when they aren’t being surrounded by other people and influences.
I agree with Gabby that people change themselves to be more like the people around them. I also think that people may be afraid to show who they truly are because they don’t want to be different. I think that most people change the way they act around certain people which makes it difficult to figure out who they are.
In response to steph's commment when we did the excercise in class today and answered the question about why the factory officials didn't recognize the bear as a bear I had thought it was because the officials did not think the bear was actiing like a bear because he was talking and walking like a human being. I had not thought about the fact that the bear was in an environment that is usually free of bears. I am in agreement with her idea that in certain surroundings there are certain expectations and one can easily over look something or someone just because of where it is placed.
I agree with jenny that being comfortable with himself made him better off in the end. Even though it took awhile for him to realize who he was in his own terms it was still better late than never.
I think that often children's stories are the best at explaining complex ideas in a universally appealing way. I thought it was interesting, especially since I don't remember many stories having to do with the ideas of loss of identity. This book is clearly meant to be read by adults as well. I felt really sad for the bear when the other bears rejected it. In the end, I was sort of disappointed that the bear actually lost his identity and believed that he was just a silly man. I'm used to children's stories usually being happier than this, but I can understand the reasons why the author made it as serious as it is. I also really enjoyed the pictures in the book.
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows that a person's identity is strongly influenced by the people around them and what they may think of a person. As more and more people became convinced that the bear was actually a worker, the bear also became doubtful of his true identity. At the beginning, the bear was confident in his identity, but started experiencing doubt in his identity as a bear when the workers and other bears tried to convince him otherwise. In the end, the bear realized his true identity as a bear. This story shows that it is hard to go against the majority, and how deeply a society can effect a person's true identity.
I agree with Gabby and Steph's post about people conforming to be like other people around them. I think people do this because it is much easier to act like others around you than to show your true identity. I think it becomes harder for people to show their differences when surrounded by a group of people who all act the same. This can cause a person to have doubts in who they are and their identity.
In response to Andy Tabb, I also think that this book teaches important lessons on individuality. It's often easy to get lost amongst what other people say of you, but ultimately you have to just remember who you are like the beat did.l
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows how important a person's identity is and how easily it can be influenced. Like a lot of you guys have said, society influences how an individual views themself and it is easy to ge caught up in belieiving what everyone else is saying rather than knowing you are who you are. Many people think they know who they are but don't realize how easily they change in order to fit in during different challenges and times in their lives. It is important to know who you are and stand up for yourself when it comes to your identity being questioned.
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows how important a person's identity is and how easily it can be influenced. Like a lot of you guys have said, society influences how an individual views themself and it is easy to ge caught up in belieiving what everyone else is saying rather than knowing you are who you are. Many people think they know who they are but don't realize how easily they change in order to fit in during different challenges and times in their lives. It is important to know who you are and stand up for yourself when it comes to your identity being questioned.
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows how important a person's identity is and how easily it can be influenced. Like a lot of you guys have said, society influences how an individual views themself and it is easy to ge caught up in belieiving what everyone else is saying rather than knowing you are who you are. Many people think they know who they are but don't realize how easily they change in order to fit in during different challenges and times in their lives. It is important to know who you are and stand up for yourself when it comes to your identity being questioned.
I believe the author did a great job portraying the natural tendency of all living things to be social and be influenced by external elements. Although the bear knew deep down that he was a bear, society was almost able to convince him that he had a much different identity. Throughout the story, the author stresses the importance of individualism and, although it is important to be social, one must choose their own path to happiness instead of having it be chosen by others.
I agree with Rachael that the bear was listening to the people who were in powerful positions. If these powerful people say one thing, it is easy to believe this and then the person may change to become what they say to be. This is what happened to the bear in the story. Individuals in society may change and conform to be like the people who are “higher up”.
In The Bear that Wasn’t, the bear struggles to uphold his identity when outside sources tell him otherwise. As the bear awakes from hibernation, he finds himself in an unfamiliar situation; He is in the middle of an industrial factory. At first, the bear attempts to explain his identity, but eventually caves to pressure and conforms to the group of workers. The bear in the factory represents how one responds in new situations. What is important is not how others define a person’s identity, but how they want to be defined. In an adverse situation, a person needs to apply themselves in a manner which suits their identity, not how others see them. Ultimately, the bear realizes that he has lost his identity and becomes a bear once again. The story can serve as a model for people when faced in new, challenging situations.
I agree with Clark's thinking that individualism is important in society. People cannot let others choose how they live their lives. In order to truely be happy and satisfied with life, people must pave their own path.
"The Bear That Wasn't" really opened my eyes. It kind of showed me how vulnerable people actually are and how truthful it is that if someone hears a comment about themselves over and over again, they might just begin to believe it. It just really goes to show just how big of an impact society has on an individual. I know I used to hear things about myself over and over that made me feel that they might possibly be true. Some comments were really hurtful but I've grown to not worry when people that don't even know me talk about me.
I agree completely with Ellen's comment. Children's stories really do tend to have the most valuable lessons in them and this lesson on society and it's effects on one's identity is very important.
I agree with Gabby in that people will often change themselves in order to fit in with society, even if that change doesn't represent who that person really is.
In the story “The Bear That Wasn’t,” a bear was faced with the problem of losing his identity. At first the bear knew who he was and were he belonged. However, as the story continued more and more people told the bear that he was just a man who had a fur coat and needed to get back to work. As more people told him he wasn't a bear, he started to beleive it more and more until he completely lost his true sense of identity. I think the author does a good job of showing how society can alter the perception of how people view themselves and how they view others.
The story “The Bear That Wasn’t” was eye opening for me. It has been brought to my attention before but I not thought about it until now; the power that society can have over individuals and their identity. It really is true that if a person hears something repeated enough times that they will start to believe it after a while. The people that have power are looked at as right even when they are not. I felt sad for then bear because the people repeatedly doubted him even though he was confident in who he was but it didn’t take long for that to change and once the other bears told him he wasn’t a bear then he was fully convinced. The bear allowed the opinion of the other people to define him and he allowed himself to conform to what they were telling him he was. In the end though, the bear went with what felt right to him and that made him happiest and once again realize he is a bear. So I think there is a lesson to be learned that it is important to be comfortable in your own skin.
I agree with Rachael people feel like they have to fit in and be like everybody else. People will change themselves just to fit in and they are pressured by society to conform if they are "different".
I loved the story of "The Bear that wasn't". I think it gave a very simple and comprehensive view on a bug issue that there is in society. There are people that struggle with their identity becuase of what others say. Often times, an individual will just accept the role that is placed upon them in society, even if that really is not how they truly feel. Becuase by nature, humans want to belong to a specific group, an individual will "morph" into what that society feels is normal
I totally agree with brentons comment. A person will honestly start beliveing what the people around them is saying. Even if it is wrong, one hears it over and over again and in ones head, it becomes the truth. The person will begin thinking that they are wrong and doubt what they truly believe and accept wha the others are saying
In the story The Bear That Wasn't the author shows us how society can influence an individual, in either a positive or negative way. Once a group of people are against an individual, sometimes even the person with the strongest beliefs can be persuaded, and confused. They lose their own identity, and try to conform to what the majority of people want them to be. Most people want to be liked or involved with society, and don’t want to be alone, so they would accept anything that is said to them, even though they once knew it wasn’t true.
I also agree with Ivette, just because someone is in higher power, it doesnt mean what they say is correct. One persons point of view should not be imposed and forced down on society, people need to stick to their own beliefs, and to their own identity.
I feel that this book demonstrates how people can influence one another. In the beginning of the book the bear knew who he was. By the end of the book he was questioning his identity. This was all because people were telling him he wasn’t who he thought he was. This book is excellent to use in teaching this lesson to whomever.
I agree with Ivette’s comment. I think she’s right in saying that people in higher power over you, can influence you in many ways. In this case the people in higher power influenced the bear into thinking he wasn’t a bear. It just goes to show that you need to know who you are no matter what any one thinks.
i believe that the story "the bear that wasn't" is very reflective of today's society. Becasue the bear was told that he wasnt a bear by those who were above him in society, he beleived he wasn't a bear. Just becasue people who seem to be above you tell you one ting, this doesn't mean that you should belive them. In the end, the bear beleived that he was a bear and at eh end of the day, you hav to know who you really are.
I think that the story really demonstrates how much people influence someone’s identity and how they view themselves. The more people that kept telling the bear that he wasn’t a bear the more and more the bear believed it and in the end his identity changed to others and himself because people kept telling him he wasn’t a bear and he believed them. It’s hard to ignore the things people are saying to about you when more and more people say the same thing to a point were you believe it.
I agree with what Emily said, people change to be accepted into groups, everyone wants to be liked and accepted and sometimes to be accepted change has to happen.
46 comments:
In the story The Bear that Wasn’t the author emphasizes society’s influence over individual’s identities. How society views a certain person can change how that person views oneself. The bear’s opinion of himself changed because of what others told him he was. The other people in the story told him enough times he wasn’t a bear that he began to believe he actually wasn’t. Usually the opinions of those in power are shared by the people below them because people like to be part of a larger group and like to conform to the accepted belief or idea in society. It takes a lot of courage for an individual to question a group’s believe or express their own opinion for fear they will be criticized or expelled from the group they belonged to previously. This short story shows many effects society has on people’s identities.
I thought this book did a great job discussion the themes of identity and society without being too formal. While it may be a picture book it also has a deeper maybe even hidden meaning of knowing who you are. When were younger our parents often read to us and we just like being read to often not fully comprehending what is being read to us. Reading this story now I realize that in fact it does have a deeper meaning than just a bear that was lost in a factory. Society has a huge impact on how we view ourselves and how other people view us. For example in the story the bear knew who he was in the beginning but the constant input from others around him made him doubt himself and at one point he completely changed his views of himself. Also the people that “knew better” were of a higher standing than he was which is often the case now a days. If someone in a higher power than you says something or does something to you, you will probably think you deserved it since they are above you.
In this short story, I thought that the author did an excellent job of describing how society can influence an individual. In the beginning of the book, the bear was completely confident that he was a bear, but after hearing from so many people that he was just a man in a fur coat, he eventually started to believe it. This story shows that you shouldn't care about what other people think, and that you are whoever you think that you are. Even though this was only a children's book, I believe that everyone can use the lessons that are taught in this story.
In this short story, I thought that the author did an excellent job of describing how society can influence an individual. In the beginning of the book, the bear was completely confident that he was a bear, but after hearing from so many people that he was just a man in a fur coat, he eventually started to believe it. This story shows that you shouldn't care about what other people think, and that you are whoever you think that you are. Even though this was only a children's book, I believe that everyone can use the lessons that are taught in this story.
In the story The Bear That Wasn't the author demonstrates the negative ways in which other peoples opinions can define you. In the beginning of the story when the bear is asked to get back to work he has a very strong sense of identity and knows who he is, but as more and more people tell him that he is not a bear, and as people in more powerful positions tell him hes not a bear, he loses his sense of identity and conforms to everyone else's beliefs. This is the same in modern society. People feel pressured to fit in and be the same as everyone else. If someone has an interest or passion that is not traditional in our society, it is easy to be pressured into conforming, and changing your personality.
In the story “The Bear That Wasn’t,” a bear that just awoke from hibernation to a factory built over and around his cave. He is faced with the question of who he really is and the challenge of accepting that fact. Although it took him a long time to figure out that he truly is a bear regardless of what other people say, it is better late than never. In the end of the story, the bear is much better off being a bear than when he thought he was a “silly man who needed to shave and take off his fur coat.” Despite what the higher powers, and even his own species said about him, he ended up going with his gut and realizing that he is and always will be a bear. I think that this realization hit when he was sitting outside in the freezing cold snow instead of hibernating as he should in the wintertime. Being comfortable with himself made him a much happier bear, and I think that all people can learn a lesson from the story.
This story kind of opened something up to me that has always been there, but I haven’t really noticed before. We all give into the weight of the need of being accepted in a group. I don’t feel as if it’s the lack of confidence in ourselves that makes us do this as some might think because not knowing who we are exactly is what keeps us from having that confidence. I feel as if it deals with a number of reasons like not knowing who we are so we go into that group’s views to see if that fits with us or we could be too scared to be alone. There are many possibilities depending on the situation.
So aside from the deeper meaning to the story, I thought it was really cute!
This short story about a bear has a deep meaning about identity and how we define ourselves. It shows how people change to become a part of a group even if they have to change their personality or who they really are. The bear at first was confident that he was bear and kept telling everyone that’s what he was. Throughout the story however he became less and less sure that he was actually a bear. Everyone was telling him that he wasn’t and this caused the bear to have doubts about his identity. Society has a large impact on an individual and a person may change everything about themselves just to fit in to society. People may be scared to be unique and go against the group where they would then be considered an outsider or different from everybody else. An individual’s identity can be greatly affected by society.
I agree with Ivette that sometimes people will think that just because someone with higher authority than you tells you something, it is true. This is not always the case, proving the point in this short story. Sometimes, going with your gut is actually best. You should never take someone else's word on a matter especially if the voice inside you is telling you the opposite.
In response to Ivette's comment, I agree with the idea of thinking that someone of higher power knows whats best over your opinion. This ten causes us to go with their thoughts even though they could easily be wrong.
The Bear That Wasn’t points out the effects that our surroundings have on us. The bear was in a factory, not a circus or zoo, so when people saw him they couldn’t understand that he wasn’t a worker. They didn’t recognize him to be what he truly was. In our society people don’t understand or recognize others who don’t fit in with the majority of people. The bear was told so many times that he was not a bear by people with more power than him just like we are influenced by others who are more powerful than ourselves. Today we listen more to the media which tells us we have to be a certain way; a right way. Even though the bear was at first certain that he was a bear he second guessed himself after everyone told him he wasn’t. We think that when everyone else believes differently than us then they are right and we are wrong. The bear eventually believed that he wasn’t a bear. People get confused who they are when they are outside their environment. Once he’s removed from the factory and alone in the woods the bear realizes that he is in fact a bear and should hibernate. People are the same way; they are able to realize who they are when they aren’t being surrounded by other people and influences.
I agree with Gabby that people change themselves to be more like the people around them. I also think that people may be afraid to show who they truly are because they don’t want to be different. I think that most people change the way they act around certain people which makes it difficult to figure out who they are.
In response to steph's commment when we did the excercise in class today and answered the question about why the factory officials didn't recognize the bear as a bear I had thought it was because the officials did not think the bear was actiing like a bear because he was talking and walking like a human being. I had not thought about the fact that the bear was in an environment that is usually free of bears. I am in agreement with her idea that in certain surroundings there are certain expectations and one can easily over look something or someone just because of where it is placed.
I agree with jenny that being comfortable with himself made him better off in the end. Even though it took awhile for him to realize who he was in his own terms it was still better late than never.
I think that often children's stories are the best at explaining complex ideas in a universally appealing way. I thought it was interesting, especially since I don't remember many stories having to do with the ideas of loss of identity. This book is clearly meant to be read by adults as well. I felt really sad for the bear when the other bears rejected it. In the end, I was sort of disappointed that the bear actually lost his identity and believed that he was just a silly man. I'm used to children's stories usually being happier than this, but I can understand the reasons why the author made it as serious as it is. I also really enjoyed the pictures in the book.
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows that a person's identity is strongly influenced by the people around them and what they may think of a person. As more and more people became convinced that the bear was actually a worker, the bear also became doubtful of his true identity. At the beginning, the bear was confident in his identity, but started experiencing doubt in his identity as a bear when the workers and other bears tried to convince him otherwise. In the end, the bear realized his true identity as a bear. This story shows that it is hard to go against the majority, and how deeply a society can effect a person's true identity.
I agree with Gabby and Steph's post about people conforming to be like other people around them. I think people do this because it is much easier to act like others around you than to show your true identity. I think it becomes harder for people to show their differences when surrounded by a group of people who all act the same. This can cause a person to have doubts in who they are and their identity.
In response to Andy Tabb, I also think that this book teaches important lessons on individuality. It's often easy to get lost amongst what other people say of you, but ultimately you have to just remember who you are like the beat did.l
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows how important a person's identity is and how easily it can be influenced. Like a lot of you guys have said, society influences how an individual views themself and it is easy to ge caught up in belieiving what everyone else is saying rather than knowing you are who you are. Many people think they know who they are but don't realize how easily they change in order to fit in during different challenges and times in their lives. It is important to know who you are and stand up for yourself when it comes to your identity being questioned.
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows how important a person's identity is and how easily it can be influenced. Like a lot of you guys have said, society influences how an individual views themself and it is easy to ge caught up in belieiving what everyone else is saying rather than knowing you are who you are. Many people think they know who they are but don't realize how easily they change in order to fit in during different challenges and times in their lives. It is important to know who you are and stand up for yourself when it comes to your identity being questioned.
In the story The Bear that Wasn't the author shows how important a person's identity is and how easily it can be influenced. Like a lot of you guys have said, society influences how an individual views themself and it is easy to ge caught up in belieiving what everyone else is saying rather than knowing you are who you are. Many people think they know who they are but don't realize how easily they change in order to fit in during different challenges and times in their lives. It is important to know who you are and stand up for yourself when it comes to your identity being questioned.
My bad, I didn't mean to post it that many times
I believe the author did a great job portraying the natural tendency of all living things to be social and be influenced by external elements. Although the bear knew deep down that he was a bear, society was almost able to convince him that he had a much different identity. Throughout the story, the author stresses the importance of individualism and, although it is important to be social, one must choose their own path to happiness instead of having it be chosen by others.
I agree with Andy's point on identity and how society can influence an individual.
I agree with Rachael that the bear was listening to the people who were in powerful positions. If these powerful people say one thing, it is easy to believe this and then the person may change to become what they say to be. This is what happened to the bear in the story. Individuals in society may change and conform to be like the people who are “higher up”.
In The Bear that Wasn’t, the bear struggles to uphold his identity when outside sources tell him otherwise. As the bear awakes from hibernation, he finds himself in an unfamiliar situation; He is in the middle of an industrial factory. At first, the bear attempts to explain his identity, but eventually caves to pressure and conforms to the group of workers. The bear in the factory represents how one responds in new situations. What is important is not how others define a person’s identity, but how they want to be defined. In an adverse situation, a person needs to apply themselves in a manner which suits their identity, not how others see them. Ultimately, the bear realizes that he has lost his identity and becomes a bear once again. The story can serve as a model for people when faced in new, challenging situations.
I agree with Clark's thinking that individualism is important in society. People cannot let others choose how they live their lives. In order to truely be happy and satisfied with life, people must pave their own path.
"The Bear That Wasn't" really opened my eyes. It kind of showed me how vulnerable people actually are and how truthful it is that if someone hears a comment about themselves over and over again, they might just begin to believe it. It just really goes to show just how big of an impact society has on an individual. I know I used to hear things about myself over and over that made me feel that they might possibly be true. Some comments were really hurtful but I've grown to not worry when people that don't even know me talk about me.
I agree completely with Ellen's comment. Children's stories really do tend to have the most valuable lessons in them and this lesson on society and it's effects on one's identity is very important.
I agree with Gabby in that people will often change themselves in order to fit in with society, even if that change doesn't represent who that person really is.
In the story “The Bear That Wasn’t,” a bear was faced with the problem of losing his identity. At first the bear knew who he was and were he belonged. However, as the story continued more and more people told the bear that he was just a man who had a fur coat and needed to get back to work. As more people told him he wasn't a bear, he started to beleive it more and more until he completely lost his true sense of identity. I think the author does a good job of showing how society can alter the perception of how people view themselves and how they view others.
I agree completely with Clarks comment, that people have a natural tendency to change themselves into what society wants them to be.
The story “The Bear That Wasn’t” was eye opening for me. It has been brought to my attention before but I not thought about it until now; the power that society can have over individuals and their identity. It really is true that if a person hears something repeated enough times that they will start to believe it after a while. The people that have power are looked at as right even when they are not. I felt sad for then bear because the people repeatedly doubted him even though he was confident in who he was but it didn’t take long for that to change and once the other bears told him he wasn’t a bear then he was fully convinced. The bear allowed the opinion of the other people to define him and he allowed himself to conform to what they were telling him he was. In the end though, the bear went with what felt right to him and that made him happiest and once again realize he is a bear. So I think there is a lesson to be learned that it is important to be comfortable in your own skin.
I agree with Rachael people feel like they have to fit in and be like everybody else. People will change themselves just to fit in and they are pressured by society to conform if they are "different".
I loved the story of "The Bear that wasn't". I think it gave a very simple and comprehensive view on a bug issue that there is in society. There are people that struggle with their identity becuase of what others say. Often times, an individual will just accept the role that is placed upon them in society, even if that really is not how they truly feel. Becuase by nature, humans want to belong to a specific group, an individual will "morph" into what that society feels is normal
I totally agree with brentons comment. A person will honestly start beliveing what the people around them is saying. Even if it is wrong, one hears it over and over again and in ones head, it becomes the truth. The person will begin thinking that they are wrong and doubt what they truly believe and accept wha the others are saying
Maybe the moral of the story is: Dont conform, or lose your identity, or you'll be sitting in the cold
In the story The Bear That Wasn't the author shows us how society can influence an individual, in either a positive or negative way. Once a group of people are against an individual, sometimes even the person with the strongest beliefs can be persuaded, and confused. They lose their own identity, and try to conform to what the majority of people want them to be. Most people want to be liked or involved with society, and don’t want to be alone, so they would accept anything that is said to them, even though they once knew it wasn’t true.
I also agree with Ivette, just because someone is in higher power, it doesnt mean what they say is correct. One persons point of view should not be imposed and forced down on society, people need to stick to their own beliefs, and to their own identity.
I feel that this book demonstrates how people can influence one another. In the beginning of the book the bear knew who he was. By the end of the book he was questioning his identity. This was all because people were telling him he wasn’t who he thought he was. This book is excellent to use in teaching this lesson to whomever.
I agree with Ivette’s comment. I think she’s right in saying that people in higher power over you, can influence you in many ways. In this case the people in higher power influenced the bear into thinking he wasn’t a bear. It just goes to show that you need to know who you are no matter what any one thinks.
i believe that the story "the bear that wasn't" is very reflective of today's society. Becasue the bear was told that he wasnt a bear by those who were above him in society, he beleived he wasn't a bear. Just becasue people who seem to be above you tell you one ting, this doesn't mean that you should belive them. In the end, the bear beleived that he was a bear and at eh end of the day, you hav to know who you really are.
I agree with Jess that society has a major influence on who you are but at the same time you hav to mke your own identity
I think that the story really demonstrates how much people influence someone’s identity and how they view themselves. The more people that kept telling the bear that he wasn’t a bear the more and more the bear believed it and in the end his identity changed to others and himself because people kept telling him he wasn’t a bear and he believed them. It’s hard to ignore the things people are saying to about you when more and more people say the same thing to a point were you believe it.
I agree with what Emily said, people change to be accepted into groups, everyone wants to be liked and accepted and sometimes to be accepted change has to happen.
I was absent on this day.
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