- Prompt: Do you believe that people need to keep secrets, or do you believe that secrecy is harmful?
Holding secrets have always been unfavourable and lead to worse outcomes. It was mentioned that President Truman stated that citizens should have an open exchange of information between the government however, it was proven that Truman did not abide to what he had stated. He kept a secret about bombing cities in Japan and the Americans were unaware of his decision. In addition, this proves to a point that secrecy is harmful between married couples as it results drastic problems.
The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1965, still has sparked a lot of controversy between President Truman. The atrocities of the bombing caused massive killings of innocent civilians and it was estimated that more than 200,000 civilians died in those cities in Japan. After the attack of Pearl Harbour by the Japanese, Americans felt that they were terrorized and were determined to stop Japan from causing another total war. After much discussion, President Truman decided to plant a surprise attack towards Japan even though many scientists have warned him that the bombs were too powerful. Not only did the civilians died, many infrastructures were abolished into ruins and it took many years for Japan to recover such drastic losses.
In the past, not only did secrecy cost lives but presently, it also affects marriages greatly. A website called Ashley Madison, allows couples to meet other spouses and engage in affairs. It is shown that this website advocates adultery. By carrying out affairs elusively, the wife or husband will eventually find out and this will result a marriage to end in sour. Loved ones will be hurt and betrayed when their spouses are being unfaithful and holding secrets from them. Many problems will arise and it will affect greatly to the people who revolves around them, specifically their children. Consequently, trust and love will be broken and their loved ones may face detrimental health issues such as depression and having suicidal thoughts.
No benefits can be gained through secrecy and their acts of selfishness, spark in more harm than good. Innocent civilians and loved ones should not be hurt carelessly by the people who hold dark secrets upon them.
- Prompt : What is your belief on the notion that more knowledge makes one happier?
While it is true that more knowledge makes the lives of the people easy, it does not necessarily convey that the people are fully satisfied and happy with their lives. Gaining more knowledge has its disadvantages as it may cause problems within the family or among peers. Ultimately, it impacts in their lives greatly as they will live in a state of unhappiness and regret. In order to live a happy and easygoing life, one should always be content with what one has and not cause any complicated problems or unnecessary dramas.
Having less knowledge improves the emotional state of this marriage in the acclaimed short story by Kate Chopin, called ‘The Storm’. The main protagonist, Calixta; had a scandalous affair with Alcee during the storm while Calixta’s husband was out to buy groceries for his dear wife. After Alcee had fled from the house, Calixta remained her composure and greeted her husband lovingly with effusive kisses when he reached home with his son. Without any suspicions, Calixta’s husband ate his dinner with Calixta as per normal and he undoubtedly cherish and love Calixta with much devotion. Consequently, their marriage was not broken and was still strong as a rock. At that century, divorce was heavily frowned upon the people and Calixta would be in a difficult and tensed situation if she were to divorce her husband. If her husband had known about the affair from Calixta, the marriage would end sourly and cause severe problems between them and their son. The problems would arise as Calixta would not be able to be wed as men find her undesirable, she would be ostracized and humiliated by the public due to her heinous scandal, and Calixta as well as her husband would fight over the custody of their son which might be overwhelming for him. Luckily, these problems were avoided.
If Calixta had confess her scandal to Bobinot, their marriage would be in despair and eventually no one will be fully happy in their lives. This further demonstrates that it is better to live a life with the mantra “Ignorance is bliss” to prevent more complicated problems.
- Prompt : In the above excerpt, Jahn argues that we do not have to change our traditions to keep pace with technological changes. To what extent do you agree or disagree with his position?
Tradition is instilled in most people and they have been carrying out their traditions years after years. In order to keep pace with the advance of technology, it is vital to change our traditions. Historically, this has been proven and can be explored in China, especially in the early 90’s as well as in Soviet Union, during World War II.
Before, China was considered a third world country, had low technology and was populated with farmers as well as villagers. The citizens were raised to be self-reliant and worked in the agricultural sector to feed their families. Usually, they worked tirelessly all day in the field to with their bare hands to harvest crops, no machinery was seen at that period. However, this was all changed after a decade when Zhou En Lai, the president of China met the American investors in the mid 1990’s. With a large sum of the investments, Zhou En Lai ensured his citizens that their country will be in safe hands and be further developed. Unfortunately, most of the farmers were apprehensive as they were afraid of changes and did not want to lose their tradition due to the influence of Westerners. In spite of that, the farmers later realized that it was best for the country and they became open-minded. The farmers did not have to work under the sun and carry out manual labour as they adopted machines to plough and terrace the field for crops. More factories were built and there was a boost in China’s economy.
Additionally, tradition was also forego in Soviet Union during World War II as women were needed in factories to build armed equipments such as tanks and missiles. Traditionally, women hold responsibilities dutifully in the household and the needs of their children. However, this role was altered as the government required its citizens to prepare themselves for the upcoming battles in the war between Germany. Thus, mothers were kept away from their homes and worked in the factories to produce goods and tanks in order to be ahead of their opponents in the war. Most historians would agree that Soviet Union had the best armed equipment and their war technology soared greater heights hence resulting a major defeat to Germany during the battle in Stalingrad.
Consequently, to enable an advance in technology, tradition has to be sacrificed as it will allow great opportunities for people to start and prosper. Having conservative mindsets, being afraid of changes and sticking to one’s roles are flaws that hold people back from moving forward into a new technological era.
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