Truth/Fallacy in the "Pull Yourself up by Your Bootstraps" Myth

The myths in contemporary media can be beneficial to people who hear it and believe in it, organizing meaning in a way that allows them to identify their own experiences with it.  The truth in these myths can be helpful in this way, but these same myths also may be untrue in potentially harmful ways.  One of these myths, categorized as "pull yourself up by your bootstraps," is both beneficial and potentially harmful because of its capacity for being both true and false.

History holds countless examples of individuals who overcame dire circumstances with little help other than their own will and determinism.  In doing so, these individuals often bettered the circumstances of others around them as well.  One such individual that comes to my mind is Jackie Robinson, the African-American baseball player in the major leagues.  Despite an unimaginable amount of opposition, prejudice, and hate mail, Robinson overcame the color barrier and had such a successful career that he has since been inducted into the Hall of Fame.  Not only that, but he also paved the way for other African-American ballplayers to be given the opportunity to play in the major leagues, and in today's game we are seeing much more diversity among both players and managers.  It should also be noted that both the current and previous career home run leaders, Barry Bonds and Hank Aaron, respectively, were African-Americans.  These records would not have been attainable by these men were it not for Robinson's courageous success in the majors.

However, it is my opinion that although there are numerous examples similar to Robinson's in which an individual overcame the odds and bettered the circumstances of those around him, this myth lends itself to the dangers of an "I can do it all myself" mentality.  We must not let this bold individualism overshadow the equally necessary skill of teamwork and cooperation with other individuals.  Certainly, teams and groups have also attained previously unattainable goals as the result of their chemistry and unity.  Faith solely in oneself and one's own ability can negate the benefits of working with others.

Thus we see that although myths in contemporary media can be beneficial in the right amounts/circumstances, they can also been misused in ways which are detracting.  We should be careful when applying these myths to our own lives, gaining hope from the success and being aware of the risks by which they are always accompanied.