“We must remember that one determined person can make a significant difference, and that a small group of determined people can change the course of history.” Sonia Johnson One determined person can make a significant difference. A small group of determined people can change the course of history. This is a very radical idea that Sonia Johnson brings up. Many people would disagree with both of these statements, yet she presents it as fact. Almost as if she knows it to be true. A truth one must never forget. This quote is demonstrated flawlessly by the events of the novel The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and with the idea behind the poem First They Came For by Martin Niemöller. Without a doubt there will be numerous …show more content…
They are a religious based government and adhere to a literal interpretation of the Koran. Prior to the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, Kabul is described as very peaceful. Children could walk the streets alone, and people seemed content. Kabul was carefree, with its kite flying tournaments every month and with Amir reading Hassan stories daily, under the shade of the pomegranate tree. When Amir returns to Kabul during the Taliban occupation, Kabul is described as being in turmoil. “Rubble and beggars. Everywhere I looked, that was what I saw... Now, though, they squatted at every street corner, dressed in shredded burlap rags...the beggars were mostly children now, thin and grim-faced, some no older than five or six” P257. Public stoning were the halftime show at sports games, and public shootings became amusement for the beard patrol. “They drive around looking. Looking and hoping that someone will provoke them...on those days when no one offends, well, there is always random violence” P260. Collective Responsibility is the responsibility, of every member of a group without regard to an individual member's participation in decision making. If a problem arises in a country, as a group, the people should voice their dissent before the problem alters the course of history. With the example of the Nazis or with the Taliban, the …show more content…
The narrator of First They Came For was not courageous and left each group of people to their respective fate. He didn’t stand up for anyone, which resulted in no one being left to support him when he needed it most. This poem is a metaphor for real life. One who stands up for others will in turn have people stand up for them. We must remember that one person can make a