<p>It's not necessarily one of the best essay's I've written, so I'm not trying to brag about it or anything. (I've seen a discussion of essays given scores of 12 posted on this site--they're incredible). All I want is a grade for my essay and a few comments about how it could be improved. Thanks so much for those of you who are taking the time to read it! I really appreciate it. :)</p>
<p>The Prompt:
Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observation.</p>
<p>My Essay:
In order to progress, it is essential that we question the motives of those with positions of authority. Unless this happens in society, curiosity, open-mindedness, and strides toward equality are stunted. Two instances which justify this assertion include Mahatma Gandhi and Frederick Douglass.</p>
<pre><code> It was not until 1947 that India truly became a sovereign state. Before then, the British ruled during the almost two-hundred year Raj period. Indians were mistreated, abused, and servile amongst the non-native British people. When Gandhi emerged, all of this virtually changed. Gandhi questioned the actions of the British through means of nonviolence. Not many had done this before, and those who did made little impact. The key to Gandhi's method was to truly underscore Britain's impact on his people. He asked them candidly why they would choose to afflict such pain and hatred toward his people. When civilians in Britain were made aware of his demonstrations, even many of them protested against Britain's control over the serene and beautiful India. It took one man to do this all: to give people insight into his afflicted country, question the motives of those in authority, and eventually have them change their ways.
Similarly, Frederick Douglass made an astonishing impact upon American antebellum society with his autobiography. What made this piece of work truly essential toward freeing the slaves was its grueling depiction of slave life and use of moral and ethical appeal. How is it under any circumstance humane to dehumanize others? Does religion really justify the institution of slavery? Douglass' book had much appeal to especially those in the North. His method of questioning those in positions of authority certainly put his life in danger, but if it were not for him and his works, sentiments against slavery would not have been nearly as strong.
It is apparent that it only takes one person, one voice, one idea to question corrupt authorities and make society a better place for us all. Douglass and Gandhi transformed their environments as well as the face of humanity. Whenever an injustice is present in society, one must speak against it. This is essential to changing the world.
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