Analysis of the Film Traffic - Essay Example

Task Introduction The term life generally defines the interactions that exist within the society. Conversely, principle refers to the fundamental laws and rules set to guide the conduct, action and behavior of an individual. Therefore, life without principle characterizes an individual whose life is not governed by any rules and laws. Thoreau argues that people should choose and consider their way of life, and everyone should do what they love with aim of achieving well-done work without considerations about the pay. He asserts that, ‘an efficient and valuable man does what he cannot care whether the community will pay him or not’ (Thoreau 113). According to him, wages payment undermines ones personality and makes a man less being, hence one should do job for the love of it. He adds wisdom should go hand with intellectual knowledge and cannot be gotten from other people but individually by learning how to go about life (Thoreau 114). However, he contrasts himself when describing intellectual knowledge and being wise because he disputes reading newspapers which is source of current news and new ideas. Thoreau describes ways in which most men get their living as mare make shifts and a shirking of real business of life, generally due to ignorance or because they have no other option. He condemns such behaviors by arguing that man had better starve and face desperation than lose ones innocence or do something that compromises ones integrity. He defends this from biblical aspect of teaching and quotes cold and hanger to be friendlier than the methods men have adopted to acquire classes of living. In addition, he has slight and transient feelings of the society evidenced when describing the gold digging and gold rush in California: so many men live by luck by commanding the less lucky labourers, without contributing any manual value to the society. He wonders if people only live to acquire worldly wealth by describing politics, government, commerce, business, agriculture and disputes it to slavery and how immorality and economy work together. There are situations when life does not necessarily require the observance of principle. The film Traffic (2000) has features of whistle blowing where elements of drug trade are explored from different perspectives. Javier Rodriguez, a police officer, explains to the media about the widespread corruption in the police force and army, thus characterizing the role of a whistle blower and showing the need of having values in life. In my interviewing execution, I interviewed three people in dissimilar careers: a traffic police officer, priest and lawyer on questions based on life without principles. I posed same question to each individual to get the difference in his or her answers. Questions: Why did you choose this career? What skills are required in the career? Do you think laws are vital in your career? What your take on principles and career forum? Do you think career and social life go together? Police officer: My passion to serve public and work with the government and my enthusiasm to see things correctly done ethically coerced me to the career. Generally, in the police force, academic qualifications are important, but most important skills required are inborn. Nevertheless, discipline and physical fitness are key skills required. Laws and rules are exceptionally important in my career as I quoted discipline is highly recommended in the police force, therefore, laws are important to guide towards living according to the norms. Principles are highly recommended in every career because they ensure discipline, which is a prominent tool in achieving goal and success in the sector of work. However, as much it is imperative to further one’s career, being responsible in life is also valuable. Priest: Am a humble person who believes things should be done the natural way, especially because of my religious background. Priesthood is a challenging career entailing restraint, determination, fortitude, academic qualification and full understanding of bible are required. Laws are bound to govern every career not only priesthood, however, individuals should naturally do always what is right by virtual of biblical and norms of society. Principles are key requirement to achieve success in every professional, therefore, should be highly considered. I believe social life is important, and principles must be considered according to God’s will. Lawyer: My passion to see justice applied in all sectors of living made me become what I am today. To be a lawyer, one must a good reader who is capable of handling crimes efficiently and academic qualifications are exceptionally important. Most of our work is carried out in courts; therefore, laws are especially emphasized. Every career must have principles, similar to life, to enhance smooth operations. However, principles are habitually overlooked, for instance, when judgment has to be made and there is money involved to conceal wrongdoings. From the interviews, it is evident that people should live together bide by same principles of life. Intellectual familiarity and wisdom should help one achieve goals through the observance of societal norms, and discipline is the foremost principle. Based on Thoreau’s argument, the interview provides great support to the argument, though at some point’s disputes that life should agree to set principles. People consider Thoreau’s views meaningful and applicable in the societal context. It is better to face desperation than do something that compromises ones integrity. He quotes “a man had better starve at once than lose his innocence in the process of getting his bread” (117). When describing the gold rush in California he says, “so many men are ready to live by luck, and so get the means of commanding the labor of others less lucky, without contributing any value to society!” (pg 115). This is exceptionally true since moral and good norms are important in every community. However, his description of loosing innocence especially in the gold rush is not realistic because for any production company there must be raw materials, manufacturers and end product which are supplied to wholesalers, retailers and finally to consumers. Works Cited Melville, Herman. Bartleby the Scrivener: The Pennsylvania State University. 2002. Web. November 13, 2011. Available at: < http://www2.hn.psu.edu/faculty/jmanis/Melville/Bartleby-Scrivener.pdf> Thoreau, Henry. Life without Principle. The Atlantic Monthly, 1863. Web. November 13, 2011. Available at: < http://www.yogebooks.com/english/thoreau/1863lwp.pdf> Read More