In an effort to reduce crime and prevent subway car vandalism, a newly appointed subway director, Daniel Gunn, implemented the “Broken Window Theory”. Criminologists James Q. Wilson and George Kelling proposed the theory that states that crimes that are more serious may be reduced by maintaining smaller crimes such as vandalism, public drinking, and jumping tollbooths. Gladwell further explains, “…he believed that like graffiti, fare—beating could be a signal, a small expression of disorder that invited much more serious crime” (Gladwell 153). Gunn reduced the crime rates of graffiti, created a trend stop other minor crimes such as farebeating, helped lower the crime rate in New York City, and created a better environment for the community when he implemented the Broken Window Theory. A safer environment means fewer traumas and likelihood for people to have better character traits. In addition, a safer environment would mean a positive “self” as people are more likely have control of their surroundings. Even more important, it creates a clean environment for someone to define himself or herself. As the environment changes, so does the “self” and Gladwell depicts that in his …show more content…
Self-esteem affects the behavior and character traits of a person and how they are perceived based on those traits. Twenge states, “The self-esteem emphasis leaves kids ill prepared for the inevitable criticism and occasional failure that is real life” (Twenge 503). The “self” in children has not fully developed for the real- world because they have been prepared their entire life to have high self-esteem, with less emphasis on constructive criticism. According to Twenge, “Nor does high self-esteem protect against teen pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, alcoholism, drug abuse…” (Twenge,501). It is ironic that the baby boomers had lower self-esteem than GenMe even though GenMe saw higher crime rates and an unstable economy. This proves Twenge’s point that heavy focus on high self-esteem for no foundational reason is not the best for children. This often confused with narcissism, when children believe that they deserve more than they do. Similar to Stout’s message, self-esteem with a basis promotes a better, positive “self” than self-esteem without any basis. A middle ground is best for promoting self-esteem and defining a positive “self”. Twenge and Gladwell reference the change in environment and how it influences the “self”. Too much of something in the environment is just as negative as too little of it. Thus, a stable