“Positions in Society”
...the chance to work, write or even to walk as she desired the chances of her recovering, would have been much better. However, even though John was a source of authority in her life, she did very little to express what she wanted and/or thought. The narrator not only followed John’s instructions to the best of her ability, but she did so without fighting back. Allowing her already frail mind to cave in, and collapse. As with the narrator, a lot of people conform to the demands set by authority allowing them selves to be controlled and limited. The United States military is one institution that exemplifies great authority, to those in and around it. While in the military orders are given freely and expected to be followed, without question. Following orders is so important, because while in combat it is curtail soldiers follow orders, for their own lives as well as others rely on such discipline. The military installs such discipline into its soldiers through destroying the feeling of individuality. One way this is done is through the uniform soldiers must wear. The military attempts to destroy the feeling of individuality through various ways besides the uniform itself such as similar hair cuts to even the tooth brush they can use. A more uncivilized the military destroys the individuality a solder may have is through verbal and physical abuse, more so during boot camp. Drill sergeants placed in position of great authority, and do yell and make the soldiers under their command run mile after mile, but are not allowed to swear at or physically harm soldiers. There are drill sergeants who physically and verbally abuse cadets, and are rarely punished. Sadly however, as with various other faults in our government and military they are swept under the “run,” to be ignored. Cadets a lot of times will not speak out because to then it is easier to go with the current than against it. The fears of rejection, punishment, exclusion and embarrassment all reasons a cadet may not expose the crimes against him/her. Such physical and verbal abuse can cause anyone to become mentally unstable, and potentially dangerous to themselves and those around. The source of authority can come from anywhere a friend, fellow student, drill instructor, parent etc. Many believe the very same logic is what drove Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, the shooters at the Columbine High School in 1999 to carry out the horrific crimes they did. Feelings that Eric and Dylan felt, such as rejection, punishment and exclusion exemplify literally how deadly authority can be. One source of authority in their lives were those that died themselves, fellow students. Klebold and Harris badgered by the very same students died. The students who criticized and judged the two boys mental stability eroded, until shot! Everyone loves working on weekends, late nights, early mornings and especially Christmas. The chance to work on Christmas, a gift by itself. However, to most this is far from the truth, avoiding work as much as possible either by taking the long way to work, or taking extra time during lunch. As Dr. Ceren states “Fifty percent of Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs.” A lot of people start to dream of retirement before it is even remotely time, only working a few years. People so discontent with their jobs that they would sacrifice anything to retire early and stop working, as long as they could live a comfortable life with the luxuries they desire. To not work or retire early is a luxury few are able to enjoy. Therefore, in order to live life with the car, house and life they want for themselves and/or their family they are forced to enter the work force and continue to work normally into their late 50’s or early 60’s. When people do finally reach the point of retirement there is a great joy and excitement, parties are thrown and cakes are cut...