A society exists as the representation of the unity created by the people. The communities are composed of many different individuals, yet similar as humans with the right for freedom. However, those who suffer from poverty or burdened by physical disabilities are recognized as weak and incapable. They epitomize the disadvantaged victims in the endeavor for survival and diminished into degrading inferiority… while in contrast, the rich dominate with accumulating wealth and in status authority. Their distinctions establish the stereotypic division between the weak and the strong that is caused by the structural concept of social classes under any administrative hierarchy.
Politically
“America is another name for opportunity.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
As the American nation that emphasizes liberty and equality, there is an obligation to allow others to obtain that same economic opportunity to success and prosperity in the pursuit of happiness. The problem is that people lack the chance, the ability, to achieve a better future because of the struggles in the oppression of poor education, low income, or other issues inhibiting their potential. It is the responsibility of the American government to actively minimize the rate of poverty and further encourage higher academic improvements for the public to invest in the new generations that will lead the country. The need for action is even more significant especially when economic stability has deteriorated throughout the years, stimulating the widening gap between the rich and the poor and arousing social conflicts among the people. The people depend on the government as the source of aid relief during a crisis.
The Contrary
“The United States should remain an island of plenty in a sea of hunger” – Johnson C. Montgomery
In opposition, some criticizes that interference with the public’s life threatens the personal liberty of the people as a violation to the Constitution. Moreover, it can cause heavy government reliance and hinder the individual development to overcome their own problems as well as forcing the large distribution of limited resources to support the whole nation.
Morally
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
The finest development of our civilization is compelled by our compassion to help another without demanding benefits or compensations in return. Role models are emphasized for the young to follow in order to reinforce philanthropic principles and tolerance in society. It is the mutual, empathetic understanding of others and cooperation that is essential to the progress of our humanity as the weak must be guided to become strong.
The Contrary
“The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause.” – Wilhem Stekel.
People possess free-will to decide on their own, and thus, are responsible for their independent actions and growth to prevail over their own weaknesses. Furthermore, the altruistic behavior of self-sacrifice is condemned as irrational that one exists solely to surrender his services for others, in an attempt to become the martyr. Aiding everyone in society is realistically impossible to accomplish. Some may exploit the compassion and corruptibly abuse the system for their own greed whereas others can perceive the effort to help as an act of pity rather than genuine concern.
Conclusion
The decision to help others is a moral choice ultimately based on the individual. Should the government provide support for the weak? Is it a responsibility of the people? Or is it unnecessary?
