Good
vs Evil within a Society
The distinction between good and evil is a common
theme that is integrated in us from a young age. Labeling something as good or
bad is what enables people to make a decision and act on whether they support
that cause. Sometimes there is little difference as to what can be called
"good" or "evil" and these assumptions are often based off
of biased or twisted information from faulty sources. I find it interesting to
look at classic ideas of good or evil with a varying perspective and perceive
it in an entirely new light.
This ideal of labeling people, things, or ideas as
good or evil is the basis of the plot within Beowulf. Grendel is stated outright as having evil qualities and
wreaking havoc on the society. Beowulf thus is dubbed the good force that
battles and defeats this force of evil. A prime example of biased
characterization is of the character gender. Exposed in his true form in the
text Grendel, this character receives
more pity and the lines of good and evil begin to blur.
The forces of good and evil is what has always
driven wars and the basic instinct to fight, a form of defense for what one
believes in. The hated enemy is seen as possessing evil motives that the good
men contrast and protect what is "good." For example, terrorists
groups are easily labeled as evil for the actions they perform and what they
stand for as a unity. Fighting these actions are the good forces, essentially
everyone who is attacked by these terroristic groups. It should also be taken
into account however that groups such as Isis believe what they are doing is
right and just.
Personally, it is so easy to set apart ideas and
people as good or bad, a flaw in our society. I believe that the society is the
sole factor in shaping what is evil and what is good. Without society, there is
no villain, nor is there a hero. I believe self judgement is the best form of
judgement when distinguishing between right and wrong.
