The Inverted U-Curve-
The main objective of an inverted u-curve is to represent the fact that increasing the amount or frequency of something in our lives is only advantageous to a certain extent. Whether it's the ease of parenting based on parental wealth, class sizes, use of power, or simple diminishing return economics, the inverted U-curve shows us that more is definitely not always better. Small Fish Big Pond Theory-
This theory brings to light the disadvantages of being the small fish in the big pond, or being a minuscule part of an enormous place/objective. More advantages will come out of being a big fish in a smaller pond because even though the opportunities may be less, self-esteem and confidence are much greater. Gladwell represents this through choosing colleges, and that the top of the class at a large Division I school is equally if not more beneficial than feeling like just another geek at an Ivy League. The glamour of a bigger pond is enticing to many; however, the overall quality of a smaller pond often times outweighs the initial feeling. The Near Miss Theory-
In his book titled The Structure of Morale J.T. MacCurdy described the effect of a bombing on a community through three different sections of people. Obviously, the first group is those who were killed. Although the most devastating, this group makes up a great minority with few exceptions. Secondly are the near misses. They witness, feel, and are horrified by the severity of the blast, and may enter a state of shock. Once again these people are a minority. Lastly, and most integral to the topic, are the remote misses. These people hear sirens, watch planes fly overhead carrying bombs, but they are never directly impacted. After numerous strikes, these people get a sense of invulnerability. Because the remote misses make up a majority of the population, the psychologists argue that bombings usually have an adversely positive effect on communities. This theory relates to more than just bombings, and can be applied to many of the struggles of life. The more remote misses, the more confidence people gain in survival, which nearly eliminates fear for the future struggles/bombings. |
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