Groupthink By Naomi Karten, And The Crucible By Arthur Miller

How exactly can courage and risk-taking help people find their voice and take a stand? The texts The Dangers of Groupthink by Naomi Karten, and The Crucible by Arthur Miller, convey that learning to build up enough courage to take risks will aide one in discovering their inner voice, and ultimately teach one to stand up for him or her self, or take a stand for his or her beliefs. Maintaining the quality to possess courage can help one realize the importance of taking the risk to stand up for him or her self. On page two of The Dangers of Groupthink, Naomi Karten emphasizes the importance of one being able to use their inner voice and speak up or stand up for him or her self. Naomi continues by providing the reader with an example to ensure

Karten declares, “The job of the corporate fool is to challenge the consensus when others can’t or won’t see the risks and dangers they may be facing.” (The Dangers of Groupthink, 2). Even though this example doesn’t involve someone voluntarily standing up for him or her self, the idea of using a “corporate fool” still ensures someone will speak up. Also, when someone accepts the role of “corporate fool,” it can be implied that this person still possesses a large amount of courage, because they always have to play devil’s advocate. Such a role requires one to use their inner voice and take the risk of possibly being the odd man out by speaking up, in order benefit a group. In act one of The Crucible, John Proctor rides into town in search for his delinquent housemaid Mary Warren, who as slipped off into town without asking Proctor’s permission. However, while he finds Mary Warren, he also encounters Abigail, the girl he

In The Dangers of Groupthink, Naomi Karten provides the reader with a few of many examples on how they can avoid the dangerous phenomenon that is, Groupthink. Karten expresses her opinion by stating, “Diligently avoid a no-criticism culture and a no-criticism decision-making policy.” (The Danger of Groupthink, 2). Being able to avoid a nonconstructive environment is an extremely courageous step that can ultimately lead to one’s success. However, for one to achieve such a large task takes a tremendous effort, and requires one to place both their feelings and well being on the line. The Dangers of Groupthink stresses the importance of one being able to find his or her inner voice and speak his or her mind. If one can build up enough courage to engage in the risk of standing by his or her convictions, they will ultimately improve their own happiness. In act four of The Crucible, Proctor is faced with the arduous task of choosing between a false confession or accepting death. Proctor decides to verbally confess; however Danforth reveals he will only be satisfied if Proctor signs a written confession. With this Proctor states, “You will not use me… I have three children— how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?” (The Crucible, 132). Proctor ultimately decides