While Mortenson's efforts in Pakistan were truly heroic, the fact that he left his family for months at a time, and constantly was waking up at 3 am to work on Pakistan time can't be overlooked. Many people consider Mortenson as a hero for his brave, persistent efforts to educate Pakistan's rural poor, especially girls, and counter terrorism in his education of moderate beliefs and hope for a better future that he installed in the children. However, his wife, Tara, and their children had to live with their father continually entering a dangerous environment, with the very likely possibility that he would not return. Christiane Letinger stated that she believe Tara to be as heroic as Greg. Letinger argues, "Tara not only allows it, but supports it, because she believes so strongly in Greg's mission. If that's not heroism I don't know what is" (304). Tara had to go through countless nightmares, and even when Greg is at home, can count on him sleeping odd hours and traveling for fundraising speeches. Tara is clearly the perfect match for Greg, as she supports and puts up with his crazy lifestyle.
The lifestyle that Greg leads made me wonder if he made the right ethical decision when he decided to start a family and get married. While Tara does support him, he really isn't a functional part of their relationship, and seems to have limited influence and interaction with his kids. Does Greg's care for the people on the other side of the world block him from acting as he should at home? From what I could pick up from the reading it seemed that he wasn't leading a ethical life at home, by his neglect of family duties. However, this may be the correct ethical decision, as by neglecting his family, he is helping thousands of people worldwide. While I think Greg leads a very ethical life, I believe he could do more for his family, even while maintaining his involvement on his project.
Mortenson, Greg, and David Relin. “Three Cups of Tea”. New York: Penguin Group, 2006.
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8 comments:
I really like the part about how you were saying that Tara should be considered heroic too. I think that the people in the background that may not shine, but support the real hero in their times of need, definitley deserve hero status. That's too bad that he is caught in between two worlds of work and family, and he can't just have both all of the time.
I like how you bring up the point on how Mortenson left his family, which somewhat detracts from his title as a hero. While the actions Mortenson took were incredible, he did neglect his family. It ties in very well with the discussions of needs of society vs. family we've been talking about in class. I also agree with Emily about how Tara is heroic as well.
I like how you pointed out that was Mortenson wasn't the only hero. This situation reminds me of the poem "Penelope" that we read in class. Odysseus was out being the supposed hero, but Penelope had to stay behind and clean. You pose a great ethical question as well. Great Job.
This sounds like an interesting person. However, I think I disagree with you that Greg was neglecting his family duties. It wouldn't work in every family, but some families are ok with one parent being gone and in dangerous situations all the time. In that respect, I don't think it's that different from serving in the military and protecting your country.
To hear about the brave heroic actions of your character makes me thank the people who try to make a difference. On my opinion, I believe that your character believes that in trying to help others around the world, he will be helping his family because making the families that he works with happy will also make him happy. I could also guess that he had already talked to his wife about the mission and he got her approval before carrying out this lifestyle so he's not neglecting if he's compromised with his wife.
I agree with you ted. Although he was leading an ethical life, he was leaving his family out to dry, and they're the most important thing in the world to everyone. I do wonder if he would be able to do that. He's working so hard to help society that it might seem overwhealming and extemely busy to do both. THis is a great topic you brought up! Good job Ted!
I think that Mortenson might have been looking more at the big picture rather than the one right in front of him. He did amazing things for the people in Pakistan, but in doing so he disregarded his own family. I have respect for Mortenson but if he wanted to live a life so full of helping people half way around the world he shouldn't have taken on the responsibility of a family. With a family one has to be there for them, which Motenson can't be when he is continually in Pakistan or speaking. I think it is sort of unfair for his children to grow up with a father that is only there part of the time. As Mortenson's child it could, at times, seem like he cares more for children in Pakistan than his own children. I have great respect for Mortenson and his actions in Pakistan, but I think he could have done a better job as a father.
Mortenson seems like an interesting character. However, I I disagree with you and agree with Emily that Greg was neglecting his family. I like that you point out that he is not hte only hero also, and that Tara could be considered a hero too. People who can help the hero out of a rut definetly deserve hero status. Your analysis was great adn you say a lot about ethics in this post.
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