~58th Dance~

[donttelldaddy]

What is power, exactly? We tend to think of it as something that bad people seize, but really, it's just given to us by others. Given to us by those who elect us, or those who willfully obey us because we just happen to be older, or our weaker-minded peers that allow themselves to be coerced or conquered. It's the same everywhere for everyone. Those with power have had it given to them.

And yet, it seems that every day, those in power grow less and less competent, does it not? Ineptitude is rampant on every level, from political leaders, to the teachers in our schools. Why don't people contest that more often? Because they're in charge, and we fear retribution? Well, here's a secret: they're only in charge because we believe that they are in charge. If you don't allow anyone to tell you what to do, they're not telling you what to do anymore, they're merely making a suggestion. Reassigning power isn't a difficult thing, really.

Just food for thought~

Comments

[justliketherifle]

I know I just got here, but I can't help but feel like... Well, no. Lemme rephrase that.

Not that I'm against free-thought or anything, Miss Rochefort, but you do know this might incite the wrong people into doing some really dumb stuff, right?

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

If it's stupid, it won't succeed.

[justliketherifle]

Yeah, but not saying this stuff could save the teachers a headache.

Does Hogwarts have a debate team? I bet you could put this talent to good use in a setting like that.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

Keeping it bottled up makes it my headache.

No, it doesn't. And I would be far too busy with Quidditch, even if we did.

[yukimi-mama.livejournal.com]

...What are you going on about this time?

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

Just discussion. Anything to add, Professor?

[yukimi-mama.livejournal.com]

No. I've learned if I leave you to your own devices, you'll get bored eventually and move on.

[genki-ni-yuuki.livejournal.com]

That's... a conversation starter.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

This place could use a conversation that isn't about cat doodles or who's buying chocolate for who.

[genki-ni-yuuki.livejournal.com]

People are really talking about cat doodles?

[bitterpresent.livejournal.com]

The point of power isn't conquering or controlling people. It's a system of Mutualism between the leader and his people. People elect someone the task of leadership so that person can help them and, in turn, they'll help him. Leaders lead, followers follow; ideally, this could work out if both parties contribute their fair share of effort.

But this isn't an ideal world. A lot could go wrong in this sort of system, especially because it's been going on for centuries, even millenia. Ineptitude's one fault on their side, as is corruption and greed, and rebellion's one on ours. But that's because people live with the thought of "leaders are scary and we should obey them" ingrained into their heads rather than "they're here to help us", so when we open our eyes to this shocking revelation, we feel the need to rebel because it's so new to us. It's kind of like how most rebellions occur during a person's teenage years.

Reassigning power isn't a difficult thing, yes, but what's the point of ruining something that isn't broken? If the way things are have been running smoothly for years, then why change it?

[ooc: oh god what was that even. did anything i type make sense.]

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

The point gets lost more often than not, I would say. And I don't think there's anything wrong with rebellion. Is it not the natural cycle of things?

Whether or not things are running smoothly is very subjective. A dictator would consider his reign to be perfectly smooth, but the peasantry might beg to differ.

[bitterpresent.livejournal.com]

True, it's natural, but that doesn't mean it should be encouraged. That would be like saying to ignore storm forecasts because that kind of weather is natural.

Again, that's true but that's what reassigning power is for. If the leader is incompetent, then his followers have the ability to assign a better one.

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

Have I ever told you that I'm fond of the way you think, Lili?

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

You haven't, but it's a lovely compliment, Mukuro.

[mist-illusions.livejournal.com]

If only more people thought like you. But sadly, most of them are completely content to accept incompetence in their leaders because they're afraid of being in control of their own lives.

[girlspotting.livejournal.com]

Have you been reading Russian history or something?

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

No, just musing...care to share your own thoughts?

[girlspotting.livejournal.com]

Not really. As much as it pains me to say this, my own thoughts are similar to yours.

[justbelieveinit.livejournal.com]

Uu... like what Beatrice said? That belief can become power, become magic.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

Believing in yourself isn't enough, other people have to believe in you, too.

[justbelieveinit.livejournal.com]

Uu! And if everyone believes, even a miracle can happen!

[nadleehs-virtue.livejournal.com]

If you're volunteering for the job, I can think of better.

[donttelldaddy.livejournal.com]

I'm not volunteering for anything, we're speaking in general terms.

[nadleehs-virtue.livejournal.com]

Pardon me if I have my doubts.