<p>I would prefer more experienced graders, but others can voice their opinion.</p>
<p>Prompt- Can knowledge be a burden rather than a benefit?</p>
<p>Knowledge is crucial to perceive the whole truth and to combat ignorance. Several examples from history, current events, and literature clearly demonstrate that knowledge is always beneficial.</p>
<p>As demonstrated by the obsequious citizens of 1984, knowledge is necessary to grasp reality. The heinous totalitarian government of Oceania restricts all information of the past from the people. Lacking any knowledge of the past, the civilians are unable to perceive the horrors of the totalitarian government. This lack of knowledge leaves the people utterly servile to the government's control, a puppet at the hands of their authoritarian master. Therefore the obsequious citizens of Oceania prove that the absence of knowledge can lead to government mind control.</p>
<p>The events of the Iraq War show that a restriction of knowledge leads to faulty decisions. Although George Bush proclaimed that Iran held weapons of mass destruction to justify a declaration of war in 2003, no such weaponry existed; the people did not have this knowledge, causing them to largely support the war. Also, as the war pushed along, Americans were not informed of the civilian death count in Iraq, estimated at about 120,000 by Iraq Body Count. As a result of this restriction of knowledge, the people are unable to make informed decisions.</p>
<p>Through the actions of Nelson Mandela, knowledge is shown to be essential. Although the greater part of South Africa lacked much education, Mandela developed a base of political knowledge as he attended University of South Africa. This knowledge allowed him to see the injustices of the National Party, which supported the apartheid policy of racial segregation. Mandela ultimately led the African National Congress to fight back. After being sentenced to life imprisonment and serving 27 years in prison, Mandela used his knowledge to become the president of South Africa, reconcile with the white minority, and promote democracy.</p>
<p>After careful analysis of the totalitarian government of 1984, the events of the Iraq War, and the life of Nelson Mandela, knowledge is indeed crucial to comprehend reality and fight against injustice. While the servile society of 1984 and the unquestioning followers of the Iraq War demonstrate the effects of a society lacking knowledge, Nelson Mandela exhibits the beneficial power of knowledge.</p>