Amanda Finch

People are ignorant; unknowledgeable about the world and the way it works, they make

decisions that will impair their happiness later down the road. Pop culture takes advantage of the

ignorance of mankind in the form of reality TV shows and other forms of media. Thwarting and

degrading shows, such as “For Love or Money” and “The Real World,” prey on the downfall of all

humans. They are incapable of deciphering the essentials in life that will make them happy; therefore,

they have no control over happiness.

In Gone with the Wind, Scarlett O’Hara struggles with herself and society as she attempts to

attain happiness. Scarlett endeavors to find content through men and money; however, after each

experience she finds herself left only with more despair and emptiness in her life than before. To find

happiness, Scarlett aimless flits from different possible sources of bliss. Because of her ignorance as to

what would make her content, Scarlett was led on a wild goose hunt through life. Scarlett lacked power

over her own happiness and also ruined the happiness of others.

Society itself provides a perfect example for the uncontrollable nature of happiness. The young

and the old alike wrongly believe fame and luxuries will bring them bliss; however, the truth is often

realized in a harsh reality. Some enjoy happiness in this world while others are left empty. Not because

they did not attempt to achieve happiness just as the others, but because no one contains the power to

control their happiness. People attempt to extricate happiness from the wrong places in life. Looking to

the bright, misguiding lights of the glitz and glam with unrealistic views has never brought someone

peace.

Because of their ignorance, humans are unable to decipher the essence of happiness in their

lives; therefore, they find themselves without the ability to control it. However, this downfall is not their

fault. As young children, imaginary fairy tales give adolescents unrealistic views of the world. Society

must learn about the secret to happiness so that less time is spent on the “pursuit of happiness” and

more is spent enjoying the bliss.