An enemy of the people

Enemy of the People

In every modern-day society (and, perhaps early ones as well) several types of people exist: There are those who do not make a decision for themselves, but follow the lead of others. There are others who are corrupt and take action solely for their own personal needs or gain. Finally, some people do what they feel is the most ethical regardless of the ramifications.

Making a decision, such as Dr. Stockmann had to do, is not easy. This is especially true when it did not only impact him, but it impacted his family as well. However, he had a choice: Either to go along with the majority and lose his own self-esteem and worth or stand up for what he felt was right. Only then would he be able to look at himself in the mirror knowing that he did not sell out.

It is unfortunate that most people will take the easy way out. An individual has to be very strong to handle the controversy, name-calling and ridicule. Today, more than ever, the world needs more of the Dr. Stockmann-type individuals. Aspects of the society surely are as much, if not more, morally corrupt than those in Ibsen's story.

For example, only a few years ago the Enron scandal showed what individuals will do to because of greed and selfishness. Ironically, the company's ethics code (over 60 pages long) stated: "We know Enron enjoys a reputation for fairness and honesty that is respected. Enron's reputation finally depends on its people, you and me. Let's keep that reputation high." Enron, of course, was not the only organization that was found to be lacking in the morals department at that time. nor, are these companies that were indicted the only ones that were (or are) making unethical or illegal decisions. Thankfully, there are some people who are strong enough to be whistleblowers. Yet they are far and few between. They are waiting for someone else to take the first step, and then may say something depending on the result of their action.

Way before Enron, and again in present-day society, how many companies polluted the water with PCBs and other chemicals despite the fact that they knew it would be harmful to the people living in the area? The Love Canal was the first case of many on hazardous waste and its health impact. and, how many years after Ibsen's play was this? Too many! The more people change, the more they stay the same.

In order for a democratic society to remain democratic and not be controlled by an individual or group of individuals, the Dr. Stockmanns are needed to notice and speak out against the corruption that exists. How else can the world be made into a better place for future generations, without people who want to see it improved? Look at what happened in Nazi Germany, because people saw what was happening but looked the other way.

Change does not happen quickly. It takes one person, then several people and then more to see that something has to be done to eliminate a problem, eradicate a wrong, resolve an unethical situation. With time, however, individuals such as Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, and Nelson Mandela do get a following. However, in the meantime, they are ostracized and even in harm's way. What would the world have been like without such individuals?