From the Editors March 4, 2013 Issue

This day is not your own

The Editors

If you’re like many people, Saturday and Sunday are your favorite days of the week. Or, for those who have to work on those days, your favorites are probably your days off. Days of freedom. Days to yourself, when you have fewer obligations and can feel free to do what your heart desires. Ultimately, for many people the weekend is a time to put duty on hold and enjoy. 

It’s widely acknowledged among sociologists and social psychologists that today we live in a culture, particularly in the United States, where the focus on the self is paramount. Those born in the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s have even been labeled, although not without debate, “Generation Me” because they’ve grown up in a culture that has often valued individual self-esteem above practically all else. And while other cultures share differing values, it could be argued this trend of individualism is increasing around the world.

While this can be positive in that it encourages each individual to pursue what brings them joy, it can also have a variety of negative consequences. One of these involves the practice of faith and religion.

Send a comment to the editors

This is the end of the issue. Ready to explore further?

Online features Audio