Post by rahertz38 on Nov 16, 2011 22:31:28 GMT -5
PaterNO more
When in a position of power, are people willing to overlook immoral behavior? Currently, in the Penn State scandal, linebacker coach Jerry Sandusky was fired after being accused of raping eight underage boys. He, along with the school president Graham Spanier; athletic director, Tim Curley; and head coach, Joe Paterno were all fired from the football program due to their failure to report Sandusky to authorities. Paterno specifically, is getting all the attention from the media because he merely told Penn State officials of the raping, and didn’t consider the danger and devastation that Sandusky caused for the victims and their family and friends. Instead of putting the alleged victims first, Paterno chose to avoid his responsibility of leadership that he built his life around, but chose rather protect the power of Penn State football.
Paterno, being in a position of authority, cowardly turned his back against the unethical behaviors of Sandusky, in hopes of defending the Penn State football program. Paterno was told the news about the sexual molestation because he had the power to stop it; however, Paterno choose not to take the matter in his own hands and passed it on to other officials, and never looked back. Being a role model for many, Paterno clearly had a moral obligation to contact authorities and put an immediate end to such horrific behavior. The focus of Paterno wasn’t the children who needed him the most, but around the power, “the big, untouchable football program with its legendary coach with the big name and the big reputation” (Bryant). Paterno was the leader of a monumental football institution and wasn’t willing to risk its name at the expense of the victims. After hearing about the atrocities committed by Sandusky, Paterno still allowed him to continue to coach at Penn State. His mindset was focused on the team, and not his moral responsibility to the helpless victims.
Unfortunately, Paterno wasn’t the only person in power to ignore his moral responsibility. The negligence of Paterno is similar to Proctor in the play The Crucible. Proctor is a character so absorbed in his self-reputation that he does not put an end to Abigail manipulating the witch crisis when he has the chance. Being a well-respected figure in Salem, reputation was everything to Proctor. He knew that if he were to oppose Abigail the news about his affair with her would be released, therefore, ruining his reputation. Abigail is sending innocent people to death in order to gain power, and Proctor has many chances to save them, but he doesn’t risk his reputation and stance in Salem. Proctor and Paterno both have power in the public; however, their concern is not with what is morally right, but rather self-interest. Paterno can also be linked with Harry S. Truman, who spoke out about the tyranny of McCarthy. When Truman was president he said nothing about McCarthy because of his fear of losing his supporters; however, after his term, he has no problem bashing McCarthy. All three of these men were aware of unethical behaviors, but refused to confront it because of the fear of loosing power and support. They were perceived as role models and leadership figures; however, when faced with pressure to act, they overlooked the immoral situations to benefit themselves.
Words: 547
Works Cited
Bryant, Howard. "Penn State, Joe Paterno and Failure of Power - ESPN." ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. <http://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7208029/penn-state-joe-paterno-failure-power>.
When in a position of power, are people willing to overlook immoral behavior? Currently, in the Penn State scandal, linebacker coach Jerry Sandusky was fired after being accused of raping eight underage boys. He, along with the school president Graham Spanier; athletic director, Tim Curley; and head coach, Joe Paterno were all fired from the football program due to their failure to report Sandusky to authorities. Paterno specifically, is getting all the attention from the media because he merely told Penn State officials of the raping, and didn’t consider the danger and devastation that Sandusky caused for the victims and their family and friends. Instead of putting the alleged victims first, Paterno chose to avoid his responsibility of leadership that he built his life around, but chose rather protect the power of Penn State football.
Paterno, being in a position of authority, cowardly turned his back against the unethical behaviors of Sandusky, in hopes of defending the Penn State football program. Paterno was told the news about the sexual molestation because he had the power to stop it; however, Paterno choose not to take the matter in his own hands and passed it on to other officials, and never looked back. Being a role model for many, Paterno clearly had a moral obligation to contact authorities and put an immediate end to such horrific behavior. The focus of Paterno wasn’t the children who needed him the most, but around the power, “the big, untouchable football program with its legendary coach with the big name and the big reputation” (Bryant). Paterno was the leader of a monumental football institution and wasn’t willing to risk its name at the expense of the victims. After hearing about the atrocities committed by Sandusky, Paterno still allowed him to continue to coach at Penn State. His mindset was focused on the team, and not his moral responsibility to the helpless victims.
Unfortunately, Paterno wasn’t the only person in power to ignore his moral responsibility. The negligence of Paterno is similar to Proctor in the play The Crucible. Proctor is a character so absorbed in his self-reputation that he does not put an end to Abigail manipulating the witch crisis when he has the chance. Being a well-respected figure in Salem, reputation was everything to Proctor. He knew that if he were to oppose Abigail the news about his affair with her would be released, therefore, ruining his reputation. Abigail is sending innocent people to death in order to gain power, and Proctor has many chances to save them, but he doesn’t risk his reputation and stance in Salem. Proctor and Paterno both have power in the public; however, their concern is not with what is morally right, but rather self-interest. Paterno can also be linked with Harry S. Truman, who spoke out about the tyranny of McCarthy. When Truman was president he said nothing about McCarthy because of his fear of losing his supporters; however, after his term, he has no problem bashing McCarthy. All three of these men were aware of unethical behaviors, but refused to confront it because of the fear of loosing power and support. They were perceived as role models and leadership figures; however, when faced with pressure to act, they overlooked the immoral situations to benefit themselves.
Words: 547
Works Cited
Bryant, Howard. "Penn State, Joe Paterno and Failure of Power - ESPN." ESPN: The Worldwide Leader In Sports. Web. 16 Nov. 2011. <http://espn.go.com/espn/commentary/story/_/id/7208029/penn-state-joe-paterno-failure-power>.