When Frankie asks Henry if he thinks the protests "will do any good?", he responds, "We have to try" (300).Presumably, it doesn't matter to Henry if protesting "does any good;" he feels compelled to do it as a matter of principle. Frankie agrees with him.
If you believe there is almost no chance that a risky venture will succeed, when is it still important to do it anyway?
How much should someone be willing to risk out of a matter of principle?
How much should someone be willing to risk out of a matter of principle?
It is important to try to change systems that are flawed and disadvantage certain groups of people. Without protesting many civil rights legislation would not have passed. Our country would be very homogenous instead of beautifully diverse. For equality and justice some people risk their own lives so that future generation can have a better future. Henry and Frankie should be willing to risk their lives for their moral cause if it comes to that because it will make the world a better place overall. If Frankie and the other veterans didn’t keep trying even in the face of hopelessness, they might have never gained the recognition they deserved. It is important to not give up when you’re fighting for a moral cause because people will have to recognize you eventually. However, I think that no one should participate in violent protest unless it is absolutely necessary. Most problems can be solved without violence, and more people are likely to help the cause, if it isn’t violent. Most important of all they should only participate in moral causes that would help people not hurt them.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1: I think it is important to enter a risky venture when it is for something you firmly believe in. There are many good things in this country today because of people standing up for what they believed in. I think people should stand up for their beliefs more often. While I think standing up for your beliefs is important, I believe that it should remain civil.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 2: I think if a person has such a strong belief, they should be willing to commit to it until there is danger in it. A protest should be stopped when it starts to become violent, or when it is causing chaos. People should have enough respect to know that violence will not change anyone's mind and that being reasonable and rational will work much better.
Even if there is almost no chance in succeeding, it is still important to do it to the best of your abilities. Almost no chance doesn’t mean impossible, and this protest sends a message to the people as well as the government. It’s crucial that in order to make a much needed change to something huge like the war in Vietnam, you’ve gotta make it just as huge and louder or even bigger and attention grabbing. It starts small but it makes a huge impact on so many people.
ReplyDeleteAs for the second question, it depends on the person and how much they believe or strongly uphold said principle. Like Henry said, they’ve gotta try. Even if it comes to violence, they need to try. Actions speak louder than words and are more effective than trying to talk through to somebody. Of course try talking it out first, but someone in such high power is not likely to listen to small words that don’t affect them. Protests need to affect such people in order for something to happen. Just like what Martin Luther did with the protest about boycotting transport and just walking or biking instead. -Zeeva Skidmore-Beaney
If you believe there is almost no chance that a risky venture will succeed, when is it still important to do it anyway?
ReplyDeleteI believe if you are fighting for a good cause the venture is still worth it. For example, the civil rights movement took many lives but the reward was worth more than the risk.
I do believe that there are certain times when one has to try. I can see Henry's reasoning for doing so in this situation. I feel it is understood that Henry is an intelligent man who knows more about the true risk that those who fought overseas have taken already. When discussing whether or not things should be done for principle, it comes down to whether or not you believe it is the right thing to do. Henry knows this is the right thing to do, and he is willing to face the consequences they may face. I think it takes strength to do such a thing despite what others will think of it.
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