Morality: A Gray Area for Many

      Oftentimes in my life I have to ask myself the question, “Am I doing the right thing?” I feel like I'm either doing too little or too much. I don't know why it works this way but ever since I developed a sense of morality, I’m constantly questioning myself this way. This question became strong again after reading Thoreau say, “I say, break the law. Let your life be a character friction to stop the machine.”



It’s just that if a white guy who had an unpopular opinion of fighting oppression back in the olden days, why can't I speak up about unfair things to those closest to me? It’s a struggle between choosing to be liked and avoiding conflict and calling out wrong behavior. But doesn’t choosing to serve your own interests despite having these morals undermine those so called morals you believe in? 



I make it my goal to keep fighting to make the world more tolerable for myself and others through questioning authority and starting conversations. It’s in my history as both an American and Indian from Mahatma Gandhi (questionable) to Bernie Sanders even Mulan.



      Many people don’t think only one person can make a difference and that’s true if everyone thinks that way resulting in nothing changing. 


      When those individuals went against a group of powerful individuals they garnered attention. They put their jobs and lives on the line to bring attention to important issues and didn’t care about whether people would hate them for that. We can all learn something from this and use it to improve ourselves first.

 


       As a teenager it’s not easy to speak up to my friends about things they’re doing that could be harmful. It feels as if they’re all you have but that’s not necessarily true. This could be the stepping stone for reflection, am I surrounded by people who are willing to learn and grow just like me? Be the first starting here :)




Comments

  1. Divya DwarakanathSeptember 24, 2023 at 3:12 PM

    I thought this was super insightful. I agree wholeheartedly with the fact that an authoritative position isn't the end all be all, and I really like how you mentioned prominent yet controversial figures like Mahatma to emphasize that point!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Adeline AlexSeptember 24, 2023 at 8:38 PM

    I love how many images you incorporated into your piece, as well as how you connected the Thoureau piece with your own thoughts about change :3

    ReplyDelete
  3. Aleezay AhmadSeptember 24, 2023 at 9:07 PM

    I agree, it can be really hard to speak up sometimes. I love how you made connections to Thoreau's piece and to Mulan (from Woman Warrior), in addition to figures who are important to your identity as an Indian American.

    ReplyDelete

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