In the face of adversity, staying strong in one’s beliefs and principles requires a certain type of courage, known as moral courage. This positive quality drives people to challenge existing norms and take a stand for what they believe to be right and just, even when there is a risk of disapproval from society. By looking at the concept of intelligent disobedience, Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the Olympics, and Rosa Parks’ widely known act of defiance, they both decided to continue with their decision because they believed it was the right thing to do despite the consequences they would face. Therefore, it can be argued that moral courage is demonstrated when anyone stands up for what is right, even when faced with potential ridicule, …show more content…
Marcus Thompson II, a lead columnist at The Athletic, composed an article addressing this unexpected event. In his article, Thompson questioned Bile’s decision to announce her withdrawal from these events due to her mental state rather than a simpler excuse, such as an illness. He stated, “Sports’ culture dictates that Biles was supposed to power through the doubt, face the anxiety and deliver us a moment for which we can endow her with that special honor we bequeath to the courageous. But what Biles did was look right in the face of a foe we all know well and don’t like to acknowledge. Reality.” This statement highlights the current culture within sports where athletes are expected to confront challenges and push themselves to their limits time and time again. Thompson acknowledges this expectation and uses the term “courageous” to describe what Biles would have been if she had chosen to continue with her …show more content…
Some athletes may have been inspired by Biles’ actions and as a result chosen to prioritize their mental health as well. Therefore, while Biles’ courageous act was seen by most as harmful to her team and in no way courageous, it undoubtedly did require courage on Biles’ behalf to withdraw from her events. Although it did not benefit her team, it did benefit herself and other athletes struggling with mental
These examples of courage can help motivate people to stand up for their friends and family.
courage as manifested in ways others act; and (4) respect for individuality of the human
...nd results could be. Atticus Finch defended a black man, even though it put his and his children’s lives in danger; Mrs. Dubose acknowledged her morphine addiction and overcame it, and Boo Radley braved the outdoors to save the Finch children, even though it put his life at risk. Courage is not taking a challenge knowing you will win, it is facing a challenge one knows one will most likely lose and still trying.
Everyone is born with some form of courage. The question is, in their lifetime, will they choose to use it and grow from it? People can be courageous in many different situations and through multiple types of courage. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the author, Harper Lee, values standing up for what is right as being the most important category of courage. Harper Lee displays acts of courage through the characters when Atticus defends Tom Robinson, Scout and Jem choose not to show their anger through violence, and town’s people stand up for Tom and Atticus; thus showing that the author believes that standing up for what is right is the most valuable attribute of courage.
“Gymnastics taught me everything- life lessons, responsibility and discipline and respect.” -Shawn Johnson (Former Olympic gymnast). In my interview with Franchesca Hutton-Lau I found this quote to prove very true to her. Franchesca Hutton-Lau, often called Frankee by her friends and teammates, has been a gymnast ever since she was five years old. In my interview with her, she enlightened me on her struggles, experiences, lessons, and successes which she’s taken from this treacherous sport. Chesca, as I call her, has a very different life from the average high school student.
Being determined has a big impact on courage because you need that drive like Rosa Parks did to make a difference. In 1955, Rosa Parks did not give up her seat to a white man. This is courageous because at the time African Americans were treated poorly and she decided to take a stand even though the consequences were harsh. The passage indicates in paragraph one that Rosa Parks was a part of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and organized social justice campaigns. I mentioned this because after she
She was nervous,waiting to see her score for her floor routine. Then, bam! She was shaking with joy and her heart was pounding. She won! Simone Biles, only 19, had won the 2016 Rio Olympics!
Courage can have a huge impact in decisions people make in their daily lives and in the novel.
Glamour and money are not the only components surrounding sports; many athletes experience what can be considered the dark side of sports. In the article The Meaning of Serena Williams by Claudia Rankine, some not so glamorous aspects of her life are highlighted. One of the most prominent rough parts of her life includes the racism that constantly surrounded her as an athlete. Whether it be the name calling and humiliation, or being paid less compared to a white woman, Serena has endured it all through her career; it is how she handles such cases that promotes her positive character.
Before supporting the idea that courage is a value that we need to live the “ideal life”, it has to be determined what this “ideal life” looks like. This
The world’s greatest innovator Steve Jobs once said, ”Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.” Whenever someone explains what courage is, a person’s definition would be about overcoming fear or having bravery. Despite that, courage can be an individual handling what society is asking from them and going by what their hearts say and dealing with their own problems. This concept comes into play in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, where several of Lee’s characters experience courage by going against societal means. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee connects the characters going through their own conviction to show her theme that courage is going against society’s beliefs and handling one’s situation.
It takes a greater deal of courage to stand up for others. Heros are the ones that stand up to others. A hero must need courage. In To KIll A Mockingbird, Atticus shows a great deal of courage. In a conversation Atticus has with Scout, he says, “Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win,” (pg.82-83) In this quote Atticus is admitting that he will lose, but is also saying there is no reason not to try. This shows heroism because he is standing up for what is right regardless of what people think of him.. Atticus is trying his best even if other people don’t like it. A hero makes an impact in someone 's life even if the outcome does not affect that person.. Atticus is making an impact in the black community by taking the case. WInning the case won’t make a huge impact for him, but he is still trying his best to make an impact for other people’s lives. Another way Atticus shows heroism by being courageous is standing up against the lynch mob. Risking his life against a bunch of drunk men, Atticus stood guarding Tom Robinson. In the story, Atticus is confronted with an angry lynch mob trying to kill Tom Robinson. The dialog between Atticus and the lynch mob exemplifies courage. "You can turn around and go home again, Walter," Atticus said pleasantly.(pg.205) A true hero doesn’t fight until necessary. Instead of fighting Atticus stands at the door politely asking
Courage is not the absence of fear. It is fighting one’s way through, no matter what challenges are waiting ahead. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, features various individuals utilizing courage to overcome the adversities they face in Afghanistan and America. Amir, the protagonist is a coward person who will have to face many situations that require courage. Hassan is Amir’s friend who displays bravery whenever it is necessary, especially if Amir is involved. Baba who’s known to be a courageous person will face various situations that requires bravery and often challenges his beliefs. When an individual commits an act of courage, then they will further nurture their personal integrity, because they managed to overcome their fears and express
However, the interpretation and application of moral courage can vary greatly depending on societal norms and personal circumstances. Simone Biles’ decision to withdraw from the Olympics due to mental health concerns can be seen as an act of moral courage and intelligent disobedience. Moral courage involves standing up for what is right, even in the face of disapproval or criticism. Intelligent disobedience, on the other hand, involves knowing when and how to disobey, especially when it involves maintaining standards and upholding moral values (APA). Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental health over competing in the Olympics, despite the expectations and pressures, aligns with these concepts.
Moral courage, as defined in ADRP 6-22, is the willingness to stand firm on values, principles, and convictions. It enables all leaders to stand up for what they believe is right, regardless of the consequences. Leaders, who take full responsibility for their decisions and actions even when things go wrong, display moral courage. In most cases, one who displays moral courage is usually taking a stand against something that they know is wrong. Normally, it is not the popular decision. With physical courage, the fear factor is usually physical where with moral courage it is psychological. Often, a display of physical courage makes you the hero, while the same display with moral courage sometimes makes you appear to be the villain.