When Is it ok to Dissent Groupthink?
The term groupthink is a common word and action used throughout many societies and organizations in the world. At one point in time, we have all chose to conform to a group. Whether it was to avoid possible embarrassment or lack of individuality and creativity. To dissent groupthink means to break out of the norm that is presented within a group of society. Most people aim to have the same ideas, opinions, or answers, as everyone else in order to feel complete or boost their self esteem. I feel that it is perfectly fine to dissent groupthink when the intellect of your heart and mind tells you to do so. Every individual has their own values they support and believe in. When people go against our values, we feel insulted. At this point it is okay to go with how one truly feels.
In the novel Friendswood, Lee is a character who cannot seem to get over the death of her teenage daughter, Jess. To everyone, she is crazy and addictive, but this does not stop the continuity of figuring out exactly why and how her daughter died. She is willing to pay endless amounts of money for this cause and it is how she would rather spend her days. In opposition, Rush does not pay too much attention to the fact that Lee is obsessed with the digging up the soil and preventing housing from being built in the community she lives in. The issue is Lee does not want houses being built in Banes Field but if there are more houses, this means more construction, which ultimately means more job creation. When she talks about it, Rush tends to subside the matter. The groupthink concerned in the Friendswood is more or less, everybody versus Lee. Much like the mayor in the town, the citizens are sitting back and brushing the issue off their shoulders because it is too much to withhold. Lee on the other hand, chose to dissent the groupthink in order to feel like she has a purpose. When other people’s lives and well being is affected by a cause then it is okay to dissent groupthink.
In contrast to Friendswood, East Chicago’s mayor, Anthony Copeland, orders his residents to relocate after a high level of lead and arsenic around their homes was revealed. The community banded together to ensure that they put pressure on the government officials to meet the needs of the people affected in the area. This is a positive groupthink and is expected of a community. Instead, in Friendswood, it is Lee fighting for herself and her own rights. The fact that they all came together accomplished so much for the community. The difference between the two situations creates two different outcomes. It makes me wonder what the community of Friendswood, Texas, could've done to eliminate this issue. A group of people fighting for a cause makes a much bigger difference than just one single individual. Both Newark and East Chicago are known for their poverty and violence. This may lead to less attention and support from government agencies and senates. It is important to support your neighbors but when it comes to a personal situation, it is okay to advocate for yourself.
