In Cormac McCarthy's play, On the Waterfront, decisions are forced to be made, ethical or not. Johnny Friendly's mob seems to believe that anyone who shows signs of giving them away is a traitor and this factor leaves numerous people hesitant of speaking up. This is easily demonstrated by the murders of Joey and Doogan, and the attempted murder of Terry. They all were examples of the consiquences you go through when speaking up about Johnny's gang. Terry was an exception to the other men though because he was able to prove his strength by forcefully standing up for his ethical beliefs, the very characteristics necesariy to be a whistle blower.
Unfortunately, its proven by history that it is truly hard to stand up against a society. People like Oscar Schindler, Terry, and Enviornmentalis all have a form of whistle blower in them. Being a whistle blower can be very scary, whether its your reputation on the line or, in some cases, your life in risk. I believe its a very hard thing to do and believing in something isnt always enough, you need to act on your beliefs in order to make a difference. I also believe being a traitor is the simple route. Telling on someone is not always an easy task but when you are doing it for your own personal benefit that is when you are persieved as a traitor.
2 comments:
I agree with you that in One the Waterfront Johnny Friendly's mob seems to set the standard of what a traitor is. He considers anyone who goes against the mob a traitor. As you say, the murders of Joey and Doogan show this. I also agree wtih you that believing in something isn't always enough. You have to fight for what you believe in to get things done. I think Terry shows this. Joey and Doogan are never shown actually working or fighting against the mob and taking the offense. Terry does and he actually fights Johny Friendly. He is good example of fighting for what you believe in.
Many people can see have an issue but it takes a strong person to stand up, especially when alone, and speak for what is right. Terry realizes that the mob he is associated with is doing terrible things and although he has support, it is hard to stand up against the life he has been accustomed to.
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