A New Way of Thinking

Paradigm shifts at their base definition are simply a new way of thinking in various situations or on various subjects. Basically, it can be seen as a new trend that some people have generally accepted. Two large and effective paradigm shifts have occurred on the topics of gay marriage and vaccines.

Recently, the United States Supreme Court has declared gay marriage legal. This shift in thought has been building over the past decade. Formerly, there was a Defense of Marriage Act that protected against gay marriage. Additionally, it was not seen as socially acceptable to express homosexuality publicly. However, due to liberal movements and the increase in the social acceptability of the act it has now been deemed a part of our culture. The democrats threw their support behind gay marriage which helped to bolster the movement. Additionally, movies such as "I Now Pronounce you Chuck and Larry" made a push to be accepting of same sex marriage. Nevertheless, there are several more reasons and examples, these are just a few.

Another topic that has experienced a paradigm shift is vaccines. This is largely due to recent studies that have possibly shown a link between autism and vaccines. This study, coupled with religious beliefs that condemn vaccines, have encouraged people against having their children vaccinated. In doing this they are relying on both natural immunization and the fact that most other children will be vaccinated. However, sometimes this is not the case, which could explain the recent measles outbreak in some areas of the United States. Nevertheless, some Americans are still against vaccines. They have taken part in a paradigm shift. They are part of a new way of thinking.

Overall, whenever a paradigm shift occurs it affects all of society. It introduces a new trend that people must either accept or reject.