Create a clear and complete outline for the U3 Essay following the format below. Note the "may" and "must" language in the instructions here. You must outline all 5+ paragraphs (introduction, body pa

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Breaking the Cycle: Breaking the Cycle of Toxic Masculinity in Atlanta

In the short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson, the reader is presented with a small village where people gather to perform a ritual that has been conducted for generations. In this lottery, one man is chosen and the rest of the villagers proceed to stone him to death, which is a clear representation of the consequences of blindly following tradition. The plot of Jackson’s story is a perfect example of the issue of blind obedience to traditions and the importance of questioning the rationale behind performing specific actions. The same issues are evident in Atlanta when policies and social practices do not change and may be negative for the community. In this essay, the author uses “The Lottery” as a cautionary tale to explain that Atlanta needs to ensure that all its policies are progressive and inclusive for all citizens.

The Dangers of Blind Tradition in “The Lottery”

In "The Lottery," the villagers are stoning the 'winner' because it is tradition, and they do not consider whether it is right or wrong to do so. However, the black box that is used in the lottery has not changed over the years, which is an indication that the villagers have not changed their attitude towards the practice. Jackson goes on to say, "The paraphernalia for the lottery had been lost even before that, and what there is now is a black box on a stool that was used even before Old Man Warner was born" (Jackson). This detail illustrates the danger of blindly following traditions, as the villagers perform the lottery without understanding its meaning or origin. This critique of societal conformity can be applied to any community where practices that are no longer beneficial are continued because they are the norm.

Policies and Social Norms in Atlanta

Like the village in "The Lottery," Atlanta has its issues with bureaucracy and paperwork that can be quite useless in the contemporary world and the context of the diverse population. For instance, gentrification has rapidly transformed the face of conventional neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward, which has had adverse effects on the indigenous population and traders. This process usually leads to new development and growth without adequate regard for the impacts on the community. Jackson's story makes one understand that it is very dangerous to follow such changes blindly, just like the villagers who follow the lottery blindly. The comparison leads to the question of whether the policies that have adverse effects on the vulnerable populations in Atlanta should be reconsidered.

The Need for Policy Reform and Community Engagement

To address these issues, Atlanta must promote community involvement and transparency so that all stakeholders' voices are heard. In "The Lottery," the village could have changed the practice if only they had conducted a critical analysis of the practice's relevance and impact. Similarly, Atlanta can ensure that all its citizens are protected by implementing policies that are favorable to all citizens through meetings, feedback, and assessment. Actions that would guarantee that the views of the diverse population are taken would not be detrimental to the community as they would safeguard the original culture of Atlanta and the new settlers.

Conclusion

Thus, in “The Lottery,” Shirley Jackson succeeds in her attempt to convey the idea that people should not blindly follow traditions. This story of Atlanta shows that it is necessary to challenge long-standing policies to prevent their adverse effects on society. By encouraging openness, participation, and the inclusion of the public in decision-making, Atlanta can strive for a progressive future that will be in the best interest of the people. Literature like Jackson's is a reminder that communities must always strive to reshape society for the better.

Works Cited

Jackson, Shirley. The Lottery. The New Yorker, 26 June 1948.