<p>I could've sworn I posted this topic just now but when I went back to check it wasn't there so I'm trying again. This is what I wrote within the 25 minute time frame, so I didn't change anything as I typed it up. The question was:</p>
<p>Is it always best to determine one's own views of right and wrong, or can we benefit from following the crowd?</p>
<p>While going along with the crowd may be the easiest path in life, that does not necessarily make it the best, especially not when it comes to ethics and morality. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, and even the Salem witch trials in our history, going along with the crowd often means sacrificing one's own beliefs for the sake of evading ostracization. But, as shown with the revolutionary characters and people who try to break society's molds, the only way for things to change is by standing up for what you think is right.
The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is set in a racist, southern town by the name of Maycomb. Atticus Finch, a lawyer, is presented with a case that entails defending the innocence of a black man accused of raping a white woman. Surely his social status would plummet, and there was almost no chance of his winning the case, but that did not stop him. He braced himself and his children for the wrath of the townspeople that would undoubtedly be incurred. It is because of people like him that America today has seen such tremendous changes in racial equality. Had he just followed society's norms, prejudice would never be overcome.
On the subject of literature, Fahrenheit 451's demonstration of rebellion against the crowd is also inspirational. The main character, a "fireman" whose duty was actually burning down the houses of anyone found who read books, began to question the morality of his profession. Rather than sheepishly following the sheltered life of ignorance, he risked his life, his wife, and his job by stealing the books from burning houses. All knowledge might have been lost had he not boldly decided to follow his own views on right and wrong.
Finally, in Salem, Massachusetts, people used to be accused of witchcraft by their neighbors. Though it sounds ridiculous today, many people's lives and beliefs were endangered. They were hung for not admitting their demonic practices and the only way to salvation was admitting said sins and accusing other people involved. However, in doing so, one was sacrificing their own beliefs to save themselves. If people continued to follow the crowd, imagine how many lives would have been wasted. You would have to be careful not to make anyone jealous or otherwise unhappy with you to remain safe, and it would be a free for all when it comes to revenge. It is only as people began to stand up for what was truly right, not merely what was socially acceptable, that life could begin to be just.
In conclusion, people do not benefit from following the crowd. Doing so would not only be foolish, but dangerous. Without people willing to fight for what they think is good, we can never move forward. As seen in Fahrenheit 451, To Kill a Mockingbird, and even our very own American history, only you should be the one who decides your mindset, or society will never progress.</p>