The Process of Becoming an Adult Is Not Inevitable - Essay Example

Submitted ID: “The process of becoming an adult is not inevitable” The essay that follows attempts to analyze what Toni Morrison means by adulthood and why it is not inevitable, as well as supporting these views with arguments presented in this scenario by Toni Morrison in favor of adulthood. Toni Morrison’s speech is an interesting debate about adulthood and its realities, while talking to college graduates back in 2004. According to Toni Morrison, The fact is that, even though the process of chronologically becoming an adult is inevitable, the process of really becoming one in true essence is not inevitable. Adulthood has nothing to do with time and age, it his linked to maturity and conscious development of the mind of individuals. When we talk about development, there are three phases- the future, the present and the past. The trick here is, to understand the realities of each phase face them and live each one of them with the greatest zeal. According to Toni Morrison, nothing gives one a more satisfactory feeling than becoming the adult at mind and heart- not in age. Age is inevitable and so is death, but adulthood is not! One can live being a child forever- immature, careless, insensitive and aimless. The beauty of being an adult is that one can work towards whatever he wants to achieve. Some people like Kardashian never grow up because they do not achieve maturity of the mind. Adulthood is about being content with the present, being happy about the bounties one has and working towards better every day. It is also about understanding the differences between generations and coming to a compromise to reduce discrepancy between generations. Furthermore, adulthood is the outcome of learning from experiences and mistakes that have been made during childhood and teenage, where the requirement is to acquire ample understanding of life from them. Morrison further clarifies this phenomenon by saying that adulthood in the global context requires one to make their story individualistic and different rather than just ordinary. Every adult has the opportunity to make at least his own circumstances different and personalized in the context of his individual circumstances. Morrison believes that every individual who is mature enough to be called an adult should have the tolerance and patience to bear problems and develop tolerance in oneself for others and for things that are out of one’s control. Instead of whining about a specific situation, one should make desirable effort to achieve results that would make things relatively better. Morrison believes that it is the responsibility of the new generation to make the world a better place to live, make it sustainable for the future generations to come and to make sure it is not hurt. Even though it is the combined responsibility of all generations, old and new to protect the world, the greater responsibility lies on the new generation who are going to be become adults (if they act like ones). While discussing about generational conflict, Morrison’s most important quote that should be added in order to support these arguments is “The process of becoming one is not inevitable. Its achievement is a difficult beauty, an intensely hard won glory, which commercial forces and cultural vapidity should not be permitted to deprive you of. “(Morison, 2004). The quote suggests that becoming an adult is not as easy as it may sound because it requires a lot of responsible efforts by people who believe that their college life was their best. It is very difficult to be sincere towards something that a person is not ready for and does not have positive feelings about it, just like the college graduates who thought they were done with the best time and that the future was merely a hard or never ending dreadful journey for them. Toni Morrison also states that “there is nothing more satisfying than true adulthood”. Adulthood is another name for taking responsibility for one’s actions. This can only be done if people understand their role towards the society in addition to just thinking about the well-being of their personal self. It is highly vital to gauge the importance of being accountable for one’s actions whether right or wrong. One can only be called an adult if he/she acts responsible. If for instance a 72 year old person does not realize his responsibilities, deviates from his duties and runs away from problems, is inconsistent, intolerant and unpredictable, then he is unlikely to be called an adult in the real sense. On the other hand, if a 22 year old person realizes his/her responsibilities, makes sure that he/she fulfills what is required of him, listens to others, is opinionated, consistent and a well-balanced personality, then he is most likely to be called an adult not. Here is what the point is; it is not the chronological age, white hair or time period that defines adulthood. It is not an external thing by any means. It is an entirely internal trait that can only come from within when the basic elements of adulthood are achieved which according to Morris are; understanding the future, where Toni Morrison raises issues such as the part that people in the society, the past where she ponders over problems between generations, and, finally the present, which she terms as happiness. To be an adult means to understand all of these aspects simultaneously and work towards achieving them. When she speaks about the gap between generations, she means that older generations at times heave the burden of their responsibilities on the younger generations which is not entirely the right thing to do because everyone shares responsibility and has the duty of playing his/her part. Everyone has an individual role which cannot be played by anyone else. Morrison also stated: “The future is not whatever you make of it. It is also what other people make of it” (Morrison, 2004). This is a very deep rooted statement which emphasizes on the fact that a person’s life does not hundred percent depend on himself, but there are other factors in the society that regulate one’s life in many different ways. It is impossible to live life alone or ignore external factors most important amongst which is the society. Everyone has a role towards contributing in its betterment. One’s thinking and way of life does have an impact on the society. It is entirely dependent on the persona of people how they portray themselves as part of the society-responsible citizens or irresponsible, least bothered and disinterested in playing their part. If the society demands some sacrifices and contribution, it has a lot to gibe in return as well- experience, personality development and understanding of how the world operates. “You are your own story” Morrison (2004) is a basis of understanding the role of a person in society. To become successful in society, we have to make this society successful and ensure that it operates well. It cannot work if everyone does not contribute towards its improvement. It is an institution that demands collective efforts and synergy more than individual efforts. That will be possible only if everyone realizes their responsibilities and understands the importance of shared culture, values and beliefs. One of the most important social institutions that affect a person’s life the most is family which has a special importance forever and helps decide the future of a society. To conclude the argument, Toni Morrison’s views about adulthood are quite logical and make sense as they proceed. They have opened new avenues of thinking and have given a new meaning to adulthood which is more meaningful, pleasant and attractive than it otherwise sounds. The process of becoming an adult is not inevitable is an interesting phenomenon I which Morrison has proved with valid arguments that adulthood does not have anything to do with age, hence it is not inevitable. It entirely depends on individuals, how they treat themselves, their social institutions, kinship ties, the past, present, future and generation gap. Generation gap is discussed in the context of being tolerant enough to understand the differences and accept them as a matter of time because they are truly inevitable. Moreover Toni Morrison describes that adulthood comes from taking and feeling responsibility, enjoying freedom, capability to achieve ones dreams and ability to change circumstances if not the whole society. It is about playing one’s role in not only being self-centered, thinking about him, but to think about his/her surroundings, the society and other individuals as equals who have freedom of speech and expression. Hence the phenomenon of adulthood not being inevitable is more logical in my opinion, in the light of Morrison’s arguments about adulthood. The argument goes entirely in favor of what was in the speech given to the graduates- impressive and logical which made enough sense to be believed and agreed upon. Works Cited: Toni Morrison’s Commencement Speech. 2004. Wellesley College Read More