| I believe social conflicts are the most useless wastes of time and energy out of anything in human society. Today, after reading an article on abortion, I decided that it was not abortion, or racism, or anything else that was the problem, but rather social conflict in general. I believe the biggest flaw of society are these conflicts, and that they must be fixed. So how does one go about in fixing social conflict? In order to fix the problem we must first identify the cause. The first thing that comes to mind is religion. Religion empowers people with the ability to believe in things beyond our understanding(logic). Religion is an obvious culprit, but religion is based on faith, splendor, and goodness. An idea like religion is incapable of oppressing so many by itself. It must be something else that is more primal that causes social conflict. The next obvious culprit is difference in opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and no one can know on the grand scale whether something is intrinsically right or wrong. Because of this, there are so many strong opinions, and so many disagreements and arguments. It's easy to think differences in opinions lead to social conflicts, but it is not enough. An argument doesn't kill millions of people for their beliefs. A difference in opinion doesn't reduce a nation of people to a few reservations. I believe the base cause of all social conflicts is the need for people to impose their beliefs on others. When people have their own beliefs their is discussion and in the end people can agree to disagree. However, when someone takes it upon themselves to force others into something against their will, social conflict arises. Sadly, this need is too important. Shortly after pin pointing it as the cause of social conflicts, I realized the need for people to impose their beliefs on others is also the cause of society and all the good that comes from an organized social structure. Imagine there are 10 people on an island, 5 men and 5 women. Each of them is fully capable of surviving on their own, and the island's ecosystem is large enough to sustain them. The ten people could live their own separate lives in their own corners of the island, and there would never be any conflicts. Technology, arts, science, and literature would be limited to the development of one person. They will lead peaceful lives, but will they prosper? Of course we can all agree the ten people should unite form a society where they can work together and accomplish things that would be impossible for one person. The power of a society unlocks the limitless potential in teamwork and kinship and is certainly an improvement. Now let's say that the 5 women and 2 of the men strongly believe that because men have more muscle than women, women should never have to walk anywhere, and should instead be carried by men at all times. The three other men oppose, but are forced into the act regardless. Everyday they speak out and the first social conflict of their society is born. Is it right for the 3 other men in this society to be forced to carry women around? Of course not. But are the ten people better off working and living together as a society? I think they are. Social conflicts like abortion and racism are caused by the need for people to impose their beliefs on others. They are the source of many tragedies and fruitless efforts. Unfortunately, I believe that the cause of these conflicts is a side effect of something too important to give up. Human society has brought about immeasurable benefits to people as a whole. The ability to work together, unite, and pursue common goals has resulting in so much prosperity, but it has also made way for despair through social conflicts. Is the despair too heavy a price to pay? Is the cost of society too great? For now, no. Society is flawed because man is flawed. |
