Underdogs

One day during last week’s discussion, our class extensively debated whether or not the Ward’s small World Series revolution would actually amount to anything worthwhile or if their efforts would be futile.  Here we have the classic underdog battle.  In my opinion, even if the end looks grim, these mental patients should fight this battle.  Some members of my class speculated that even if they somehow overthrew Big Nurse, another authoritarian leader just as strict would take her place.  This viewpoint displays the same lack of hope the patients feel.  Our society should never fear change because of what might negatively happen, instead know they have a power to improve and carry on.  At this point in the discussion, I wanted to shout out the multitude of examples where the underdog made a small act to inspire change that altered the course of history.  Rosa Parks comes to mind.  Her simple act of refusing to move for the white supremacy in the bus system instigated the civil rights movement.  Similarly, I hope the simple act of refusing to partake in cleaning time and instead watching the World Series creates change down the road for mental healthcare in this novel.  McMurphy must not bow down, despite the oppression and fear he is fighting; he needs to stay steadfast as their leader so that patients like Billy Bibbit can emulate his courage and join in as an integral part of the fight.  Even if they lose, more importantly they will have made a point in their efforts, and some other group down the line will become inspired and build upon it.