The Importance of Studying Obedience: An Analysis of Discrimination in the Community
1. Introduction
The study of obedience is important to understanding how individuals can be led to commit morally wrong actions. In this essay, I will provide a theoretical overview of obedience before conducting an empirical analysis of discrimination in the community. I will conclude with a discussion of the findings.
2. Theoretical overview
a. Social structure and obedience
Obedience is defined as compliance with the commands of an authority figure (Milgram, 1974). Individuals often obey authority figures because they believe that these figures have legitimate power over them. In many cases, obedience is motivated by a desire to gain approval or avoid punishment from the authority figure.
b. Interethnic systems
Interethnic systems are systems in which different ethnic groups interact with each other (Barth, 1969). These interactions can be peaceful or violent. They can also be based on cooperation or conflict. Nation-states are usually interethnic systems.
c. Nation-states and cross cultural differences
Nation-states are sovereign states that have a defined territory and population (Weber, 1968). They are typically organized around a shared culture, language, and history. Cross cultural differences refer to the ways in which people from different cultures interact with each other. These interactions can be positive or negative.
3. Empirical analysis
a. Discrimination in the community
The community in which I live is relatively diverse, with people from various ethnic and racial backgrounds. However, there is still some discrimination against certain groups, particularly those who are not white. For example, I have heard people making racist jokes about black people and Asian people. I have also seen people discriminate against others based on their religion or sexual orientation. Overall, I think that discrimination exists in the community but it is not as bad as it could be.
b. Obedience to authority
I think that obedience to authority is a problem in the community because it can lead individuals to overlook their personal principles and commit hideous crimes that are morally wrong. For example, I know someone who was abused by her father but she never told anyone because she was afraid of him. I think that this is an example of how obedience can lead to harm.
4. Conclusion
In conclusion, the study of obedience is important to understanding how individuals can be led to commit morally wrong actions. The theoretical overview showed that obedience can be motivated by a desire to gain approval or avoid punishment from an authority figure. The empirical analysis showed that discrimination exists in the community but it is not as bad as it could be. Obedience to authority is a problem in the community because it can lead individuals to overlook their personal principles and commit hideous crimes that are morally wrong.
FAQ
The different ethnic groups in my country are the native people, also called Amerindians, and the people of European descent.
These groups interact with each other in many ways. The native people have their own cultures and traditions, which the people of European descent often do not understand or respect. This can lead to conflict between the two groups. However, there is also a lot of interaction between the two groups that is positive and constructive.
The history of conflict between these groups is long and complex. It began with the arrival of the Europeans in the Americas, when they forcibly took land from the native people and imposed their own culture and way of life on them. This led to centuries of conflict, violence, and oppression against the native people by the Europeans. In recent years, there has been a growing movement among Native Americans to assert their rights and reclaim their cultural heritage. This has led to increased cooperation and understanding between Native Americans and Europeans.
Obedience plays a role within each group in different ways. For Native Americans, obedience to elders and tribal leaders is important for maintaining social order within their communities. For Europeans, obedience to authority figures such as government officials or religious leaders was traditionally seen as a virtue. However, this has changed in recent years, as more Europeans have become critical of authority figures who abuse their power or act unjustly.
There are some similarities and differences in how obedient members of each group are to authority figures. Both groups value obedience to those who are seen as legitimate authority figures. However, Native Americans tend to be more deferential to elders and tribal leaders, while Europeans are more likely to challenge authority figures who they believe are acting unfairly or abusing their power.
Studying obedience has helped me to understand my own ethnicity better by providing a historical context for the way that my people have interacted with authority figures. It has also given me a greater understanding of the importance of obeying those who are legitimately in charge.