<h2>Hi, i'm new to this forum after lurking around for a long time and am now interested in refining my writing skills in preparation for the January SAT. I am interested in inputs and constructive criticism as I have not wrote for quite a long time. Thank you for your time!</h2>
<p>Prompt Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority?</p>
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<p>Questioning authority, without a doubt, is essential and vital in creating change. Although standing up for oneself is generally looked down upon, literature and history have proven time and time again that one cannot change anything unless they fight for it.</p>
<pre><code>As seen in the play Romeo and Juliet, written by the brilliant Shakespeare in the late 1500s, both star-crossed lovers defy authority in order to pursue their dream of being together. Romeo and Juliet were from two opposing enemy families- the Montagues and the Capulets. The two were forbidden from seeing each other but ultimately defied their parents wishes, causing their ultimately tragic death. Although both Romeo and Juliet had died from questioning the authority of their parents, they were successful in pursuing their dream of being together. Furthermore, their death caused the two families to recognize the error in their ways and reconcile their differences for the better.
In contrast to literature, history also has countless examples of defying authority, more specifically, on thinking. Back in the 200 BCs era, Socrates was a prime figure in establishing logical thinking and modern common sense. With his expertise in reasoning, he always taught his students to question everything. This was the beginning of a society where people began to think for themselves rather than listening to the Church. This angered the Church and Socrates became a prime target to be executed. He was claimed to be manipulating the minds of children towards treason-like ways. Although Socrates was also killed for questioning authority, his legacy continued to live on and was passed down to future generations by former students such as Plato. Socrates ideologies created the individualistic way of thinking society has today.
Finally, an additional piece of history that also institutes questioning authority is America itself declaring independence from Great Britain. Through constant economical abuse from taxes on everyday goods such as tea and stamps, the people grew weary of dealing with a Parliament that would never change. Sparked by uprisings and riots such as the Boston Tea Party, more and more people began to see the corrupt ways of Parliament and joined the cause to fight for independence. The American Revolution began a progression and essentially a trend in overthrowing authority and proved to the world that change was possible.
Regardless whether or not change happens in either fiction or real historical events, it is crucial to acknowledge the fact that questioning authority leads to better change for the future, despite the outcomes. As shown in the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, the ideas of Socrates, and the event of the American Revolution, it is evident to see that change for the better cannot happen without questioning the rights of authority.
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<p>Thanks again! (:</p>