~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.

Comments

[manlychester]

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]

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

[manlychester]

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]

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]

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

[donttelldaddy]

Just discussion. Anything to add, Professor?

[yukimi_mama]

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

[donttelldaddy]

You make a lot of assumptions for a man without a clue what he's talking about.

[genki_ni_yuuki]

That's... a conversation starter.

[donttelldaddy]

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

[genki_ni_yuuki]

People are really talking about cat doodles?

[donttelldaddy]

It's died down. But, it's still inane.

[bitterpresent]

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

[donttelldaddy]

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]

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.

[donttelldaddy]

I'm not necessarily encouraging anyone. I'm just reminding everyone that it's possible.

Perhaps someone else would like to be the leader.

[mist_illusions]

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

[donttelldaddy]

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

[mist_illusions]

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.

[donttelldaddy]

I'm flattered.

Oh, but didn't you know, it's so much safer to have others make your decisions for you!