<p>Prompt: Is it always best to determine one's own views of right and wrong or can we benefit from following the crowd?</p>
<p>Humans find safety in numbers and this explains the so called “herd mentality”. This herd mentality while very protective stifles the individuals voice, creativity and personal issues. The needs of the many are greater than the needs of the few. The Hunger Games, Abraham Lincoln and Rosa parks are examples that show that it was beneficial to determine one’s own views of right and wrong.</p>
<p>In the Hunger Games, a young girl Katniss is picked to fight against 23 other kids in a gladiator battle. The event is televised and is viewed by all the citizens. The fact of killing innocent children and having people enjoy this is messed up to Katniss. When there are only two people including her left alive, she chooses to not kill him and instead defy the crowd. She knows it is wrong and ultimately this small action saves her as a person. She can be who she wants because she defied society</p>
<p>Abraham Lincoln chose to free the slaves. He was a white male that could have followed the crowd mentality of “African Americans are inferior”. Instead he realized that holding people against their will was morally injust and changed the laws. He helped countless innocent people by not following the crowd</p>
<p>Rosa Parks was a catalyst of the civil rights movement when she did not more to the back of the bus. She didn’t follow the crowd mentality of “be quiet and obey the White Americans”. Rosa Parks could not benefit from the crowd and instead took a stand which benefitted many people.</p>
<p>These examples show that while it was difficult to defy the crowd there is a greater benefit derived from determining one’s own view.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>