The Obedience Trap: When Good People Do Nothing
The most dangerous words ever spoken are “that’s just the way it is.”
As historian Howard Zimmerman has taught us, “historically, the most terrible things—war, genocide, and slavery—have resulted not from disobedience, but from obedience.”
Zinn challenges us to recognize that the greatest atrocities and injustices aren’t carried out by rebels, but by those who follow orders, who stay silent, and who look away.
At the most fundamental level, our collective compliance is a betrayal of our humanity. What act of necessary disobedience can you commit today? Here are a few ideas:
1. Speak up when you witness discriminatory or harmful comments or acts, especially when it's uncomfortable.
2. Request/enact transparency about decision-making processes in your workplace, community organizations, or government.
3. Boycott products from companies with unethical practices, even when they're convenient.
4. Challenge euphemistic language that obscures harmful actions ("right-sizing" instead of "layoffs").
5. Prioritize mental health and wellbeing over productivity.
