To Obey or Disobey - 1771 Words

Obedience is an age old expectation that rulers, priests, and government officials have required for years from their subjects. Most of the time individuals follow their leaders without question. This is the case because the population from which obedience is required believes that they continue to have a choice. When, for whatever reason this belief is lost, some individuals will begin to exhibit an increasing disobedience to the requirement. This often increases to the point of violence or, the case of a country, war. While there are all types of disobedience, this paper will discuss civil disobedience and the social pressure often associated with it. A good example of this type of cycle can be found in the historical background†¦show more content†¦(724) Universities over time have done a lot of research trying to understand why people obey and disobey. Most people believe they are good and trustworthy. These individuals feel no matter what occurs they will always try to do the right thing in their day to day life. In The Perils of Obedience, Milgram tells of a woman â€Å"that the last shock she administered to the learner was extremely painful and reiterates that she did not want to be responsible for any harm to him†. (695). Despite her desires she still administered the shock, thus being obedient to the person in charge and not to what she believed. Individuals who still believe in the concept called into question by the disobedient group, often feel intense pressure to maintain loyalty to the old ruling entity. In Doris Lessing’s article, Group Minds, she states â€Å"But the majority will continue to insist-speaking metaphorically-that black is white, and after a period of exasperation, irritation, even ange r, certainly incomprehension, the minority will fall into line†.(724) Pressure to conform can manifest itself in another way as well.. Individuals may feel compelled to follow the ideas and rules of someone else and follow that group of people no matter what path it my lead them down or where those ideas and rules may take them. Social pressure comes from everywhere; family, church, friends, jobs, co-workers, and etc.. During theShow MoreRelatedArticles on Whether to Obey or to not Obey1027 Words   |  4 Pagesconsider them â€Å"just† and to ultimately obey to their guidance. We must be â€Å"just† followers in order to recognize a â€Å"just† leader among all of the â€Å"unjust† ones. Obeying to leadership is as important as having a sane population to be lead. The second article written by Erich Fromm was entitled â€Å"Disobedience as a Psychological and Moral Problem.† The main idea is that people should primarily evaluate their mo ral and ethical principles rather than blindly obey authority. 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