How do you react when you believe authority is wrong? Do you believe it is inherently safe to differ from authority’s opinion? Do you hide what you think is right in fear of the consequences? Or do you except the drawbacks and do what is right regardless? According to the 17th century philosopher Voltaire, “it is dangerous to be right when established authorities are wrong”. Although this claim could be refuted by instances of respect for others honesty and courage, I believe people around the world ultimately have to sacrifice their literal and social security by demonstrating their true opinions of what is right, the significance of this risk is important to understand.
There are cases in which an individual doing what they believe to be …show more content…
Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mocking Bird provides an illustration of how this is true when Atticus’s defense of a black man in a dominantly racist community proves to affect both him and his family’s social position in their community. Atticus explains to his kids that he has chosen to defend him because it is what he believes is right and the whole family quickly adopts this opinion. Unfortunately, the town does not agree and as Voltaire predicts, the previously highly regarded family is now looked down upon by the public. Disapproving and hateful remarks are soon directed at Atticus from his community and even his own sister. The effects begin to weigh on Atticus, causing the once level headed man to become noticeably more irritable. The effects do not stop at Atticus though, people begin to target their hate toward his children too, particularly Scout. Throughout the book, Scout faces confrontation at school and by her cousin over the unorthodox views of her beloved father. This is particularly upsetting to see a young girl exposed to such hate just because her family beliefs do not agree with public opinion. The circumstances of Harper Lee’s characters exemplifies how acting in a way you believe to be good can be harmful to both you and the people close to
There are cases in which an individual doing what they believe to be …show more content…
Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mocking Bird provides an illustration of how this is true when Atticus’s defense of a black man in a dominantly racist community proves to affect both him and his family’s social position in their community. Atticus explains to his kids that he has chosen to defend him because it is what he believes is right and the whole family quickly adopts this opinion. Unfortunately, the town does not agree and as Voltaire predicts, the previously highly regarded family is now looked down upon by the public. Disapproving and hateful remarks are soon directed at Atticus from his community and even his own sister. The effects begin to weigh on Atticus, causing the once level headed man to become noticeably more irritable. The effects do not stop at Atticus though, people begin to target their hate toward his children too, particularly Scout. Throughout the book, Scout faces confrontation at school and by her cousin over the unorthodox views of her beloved father. This is particularly upsetting to see a young girl exposed to such hate just because her family beliefs do not agree with public opinion. The circumstances of Harper Lee’s characters exemplifies how acting in a way you believe to be good can be harmful to both you and the people close to