In the play "All My Sons" by Arthur Miller, Joe Keller decides to make decisions that benefits his family, where as Chris and Ann don't agree with that opinion. When Joe tells Steve to cover and ship the broken parts, he knowingly sent many pilots to their demise. Joe justified his action by believing it was in the best interest for the family, by maintaining the future for his son he had worked so hard to obtain. After finally admitting to knowingly shipping the bad parts, Joe shares his thoughts with Chris. While addressing Chris, Joe said, "For you, a business for you!"(70). By sending bad parts, J.O. Keller Inc. stayed in business and would provide a good living for Chris. Joe truly believed that it was his job to care for his family no matter what that meant, even the killing of others. Joe again shows how important family is to him when he states, "I owe him a good kick in the teeth, but he's your father..."(49). While this statement was partly in defense of his own actions, Joe did believe that caring for family was more important than the need of the society. Chris and Ann don't agree with him, and believe that people must do what is in the best interest of the society. Chris said, "God in heaven, what kind of a man are you? Kids were hanging in the air by those heads"(70). Chris thought that a true man would care for his society and make the right choice by not shipping the parts, and thus risking his family's wealth for the benefit of others.
I think it is important to put your family's needs in front of the needs of society on very few occasions. Usually the needs of the society are greater, and working towards a greater purpose, such as winning a war or keeping men alive. However when thinking about a situation involving a much smaller problem, it is important to put your family first. For instance if the problem involves rationing a limited item, such as wealth, or in times of need, food, your family should come first. Most of the time though the society has a greater need than your family. In general, I don't agree with doing something that kills a person for the benefit of my family, or the other way around. This question is very situational and is hard to answer without a specific case, however no matter how much we may love our families it is necessary view the situation from a by-stander's point of view and normally the decision that should be made will be to do what is best for the society.
Miller, Arthur. "All My Sons". New York: Penguin Classics, 2000.
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2 comments:
I like the ambiguity (that spelled right?) that goes along with your post, and yet your method of emphasizing your opinion throughout. I'm not quite sure about evaluating each situation individually though-- shouldn't, to do right and wrong, we follow a firm rule? And yet there's special occasions in every case, proving your point spectacularly. Huh. It makes me wonder about our nature as human beings though, that right and wrong are interchangeable with the circumstances. Nevertheless, nice job, it proved the point I didn't know I believed!
I agree that it's difficult to respond to the question of the needs of society vs. family without a specific situation. I also like your comment about looking at something from a bystander's point of view, that seems like a good way to determine who's needs are more important.
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