Final answer:
Yearbooks traditionally emphasize the positive to create a celebratory keepsake, but balancing this with some negative events can offer a more complete historical record. The attributes of a hero can change over time, reflecting societal values. When a positive personality attribute is taken to an extreme, it can become a tragic flaw.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether a yearbook should emphasize the positive and ignore the negative is a topic of debate. On one hand, yearbooks are traditionally keepsakes that celebrate the memorable aspects of the school year, so they tend to highlight achievements, milestones, and positive experiences. On the other hand, excluding negative events can result in an incomplete historical record of the school year.
From a historical perspective, the attributes of a hero may evolve over time. For instance, qualities admired in ancient heroes, such as physical strength, may be supplemented by intellectual prowess or moral integrity in modern times. This reflects changing societal values and contexts.
Similarly, a positive personality trait becomes a tragic flaw when it is taken to an extreme and results in negative consequences. For example, confidence can turn into arrogance, potentially leading to a person's downfall.
When examining media that support the writing in a yearbook, it's important to look critically at how images and media reinforce either a positive or negative portrayal. Images that exclusively promote the positive may omit important events that shaped the year's experiences, while a balance can help provide a fuller picture.
If an academic tone is expected, sections should be revised to maintain a positive, yet realistic, connotation. For example, instead of 'the failed play,' one could refer to it as 'the play that offered learning opportunities.'