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Brendan Kelley
Mrs. Short
Accelerated English 10
16 January 2014
Transcendentalism in Today's Media
Transcendentalism is a set of values that differed greatly from traditional views of the
day. Some key tenets of transcendentalism was that people should make their own destinies and
respect nature. There are plenty of examples of transcendentalism in today's media. Many take
form in music and film. Transcendentalism is not a dead movement, but merely one that has
faded into the background of our daily lives.
One example of a song with transcendental themes is Unwritten by Natasha
Bedingfield. This song preaches the idea that a person's destiny is whatever they want it to be,
not the choice of others. In the song, Bedingfield sings, No one else can feel it for you/ Only
you can let it in/ No one else, no one else/ Can speak the words on your lips. In this passage,
Bedingfield is trying to get the message across that a person should not let others decide their
fate for them. This is one of the most important tenets of transcendentalism and was often used
as a theme by Thoreau. A theme in one of his works, Civil Disobedience, was that people need
to stand up for their individuality and destiny. Natasha Bedingfield's song reminds listeners of
transcendentalism without even realizing it.
Another prime example of transcendentalism in music is the song, Breakaway by Kelly
Clarkson. She sings of flying away from the restrictions she faced and living her life her way.
The chorus goes like this:

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I'll spread my wings and I'll learn how to fly
I'll do what it takes til' I touch the sky
And I'll make a wish
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
Out of the darkness and into the sun
But I won't forget all the ones that I love
I'll take a risk
Take a chance
Make a change
And breakaway
The chorus gives a good message as to what Clarkson means in this song. Kelly Clarkson is
rebelling against the restrictions placed on her and she dreams of flying away to a better place.
Clarkson is reminding her fans to always try to make their lives better and live life to the fullest.
Walt Whitman also wrote on this theme in his poem, I Hear America Singing. He wrote of the
happiness everyone felt when they did what was meant for them, much like the happiness Kelly
Clarkson wants to feel. This tenet of transcendentalism is shared with many people when they
listen to the radio.
One movie that has a strong transcendental theme is Dr. Seuss's The Lorax from 1972.
This was an animated TV movie aimed at children, but held a much deeper meaning than any
other kids' movie. The Lorax is a creature that appears from the stump of a Trufula tree. He

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speaks a powerful line that represents transcendentalism's tenet about respecting nature. The
Lorax states, Mister, I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have
no tongues. The Lorax is protecting nature's welfare and trying to teach the public to respect
nature as well. In the movie, the Once-ler, chops down every tree and ruins the environment. At
the end of the movie, the Once-ler realizes his wrongdoings and gives a child the last Trufula tree
seed. He says to treat it with care and help it grow, and someday, a forest of Trufula trees may
exist again. Nature is a huge role in this TV movie, much like in the collection of stories by
Thoreau called Walden. The stories in that book recall a time in Thoreau's life where he escaped
city life and appreciated nature. Walden and The Lorax (1972) both contain the same message,
don't misuse nature and its gifts, but appreciate them.
Transcendentalism is a common set of tenets that are not just found in old poetry books,
but in today's media. Many people will recall having heard Breakaway or seeing The Lorax
(1972) as a child. These songs and movies demonstrate the amount of transcendental ideals that
have become a social normality. Deciding your own destiny, respecting nature, and living life to
the fullest are some of the most important parts of transcendentalism and are commonly referred
to in media. Transcendentalism is an important part of today's psychology and will not be going
anywhere.