Post by rachelfa112 on Dec 5, 2012 0:23:01 GMT -5
It is, without doubt, human nature to be tempted by all the possessions we do not have or cannot obtain. Without temptation, there is no inspiration for goals, dreams, or the future, yet where is the line drawn as to how far society can go with its actions to achieve the desired future. It is an individual’s responsibility to retain a moral and fair approach to life. Only with this responsibility can society benefit everyone. However, human nature is not necessarily strong enough to resist the corruption of power, money and fame. The situation with Lance Armstrong and his doping scandal demonstrates what happens when an individual overlooks the responsibility they have to themselves and society as a whole.
On October 10, 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency released a file with an immense amount of evidence that proved Armstrong was involved in a systematic conspiracy of using illegal drugs and blood transfusions to raise his performance levels for cycling competitions. With his increased performance levels, Armstrong went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999-2005 and received what every man wanted, fame and fortune. Regarded as an icon and an inspiration, he received endorsements and sponsorships from companies such as Nike and Trek and turned Livestrong, his foundation for cancer victims, into a global sensation, but everything must come to an end. With this doping revelation, the majority of Armstrong’s sponsors have terminated any relationship with him and he has since stepped down from the CEO position of Livestrong. In addition, the International Cycling Union (UCI) endorsed a decision to ban Armstrong from cycling for life and strip him of his seven Tour de France titles.
Just like Danforth in The Crucible, Armstrong lost everything he had gained by continuing the lies he started in order to gain what he had started out with. Danforth fed the tyranny of consensus in Salem by continuing the lies and accusations instead of fairly and justly evaluating the present situation. By maintaining the tyranny of consensus, Danforth was able to keep his position within the court and his power and presence within the town. He manipulated the tyranny of consensus for a self-advancement of power and presence. He had no thoughts of reviewing the deranged accusations of witchcraft because he did not want to make the court weak which would reflect badly on him. Similarly, Armstrong continued his doping lies in order to retain his power, fame, and fortune. He saw no reason to confess and give up his power and high status for any moral responsibilities or shred of dignity to his name. Both he and Danforth continued the lie with a sense of “I’ve come this far, why confess now”. Danforth put the protection of the witch trials over any sense of justice just like Armstrong put his power and position over any moral obligation and dignity in life.
Perhaps things would have been different had Armstrong confessed earlier on his own without any help of an agency releasing evidence and thrusting it upon the public so suddenly creating a shadowing doubt within our icons and beliefs. Maybe if he had not been blinded by power and saw his wrongs and had the courage to confess, he would not have fallen so quickly and so far down within the public opinion, but regrets are a necessity for society for the mistakes and the lessons learned are everlasting thoughts in the back of our heads that make us remember.
Word Count: 581
Works Consulted
Carr, David. "Chasing Armstrong With Truth." The New York Times. N.p., 28 Oct. 2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/29/business/media/chasing-lance-armstrongs-misdeeds-from-the-sidelines.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.
Schrotenboer, Brent. "Lance Armstrong Once Predicted His Possible Demise." USAtoday. N.p., 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/cycling/2012/10/26/lance-armstrong-prediction-cnn-documentary/1661751/>.
On October 10, 2012, the United States Anti-Doping Agency released a file with an immense amount of evidence that proved Armstrong was involved in a systematic conspiracy of using illegal drugs and blood transfusions to raise his performance levels for cycling competitions. With his increased performance levels, Armstrong went on to win seven consecutive Tour de France titles from 1999-2005 and received what every man wanted, fame and fortune. Regarded as an icon and an inspiration, he received endorsements and sponsorships from companies such as Nike and Trek and turned Livestrong, his foundation for cancer victims, into a global sensation, but everything must come to an end. With this doping revelation, the majority of Armstrong’s sponsors have terminated any relationship with him and he has since stepped down from the CEO position of Livestrong. In addition, the International Cycling Union (UCI) endorsed a decision to ban Armstrong from cycling for life and strip him of his seven Tour de France titles.
Just like Danforth in The Crucible, Armstrong lost everything he had gained by continuing the lies he started in order to gain what he had started out with. Danforth fed the tyranny of consensus in Salem by continuing the lies and accusations instead of fairly and justly evaluating the present situation. By maintaining the tyranny of consensus, Danforth was able to keep his position within the court and his power and presence within the town. He manipulated the tyranny of consensus for a self-advancement of power and presence. He had no thoughts of reviewing the deranged accusations of witchcraft because he did not want to make the court weak which would reflect badly on him. Similarly, Armstrong continued his doping lies in order to retain his power, fame, and fortune. He saw no reason to confess and give up his power and high status for any moral responsibilities or shred of dignity to his name. Both he and Danforth continued the lie with a sense of “I’ve come this far, why confess now”. Danforth put the protection of the witch trials over any sense of justice just like Armstrong put his power and position over any moral obligation and dignity in life.
Perhaps things would have been different had Armstrong confessed earlier on his own without any help of an agency releasing evidence and thrusting it upon the public so suddenly creating a shadowing doubt within our icons and beliefs. Maybe if he had not been blinded by power and saw his wrongs and had the courage to confess, he would not have fallen so quickly and so far down within the public opinion, but regrets are a necessity for society for the mistakes and the lessons learned are everlasting thoughts in the back of our heads that make us remember.
Word Count: 581
Works Consulted
Carr, David. "Chasing Armstrong With Truth." The New York Times. N.p., 28 Oct. 2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/29/business/media/chasing-lance-armstrongs-misdeeds-from-the-sidelines.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0>.
Schrotenboer, Brent. "Lance Armstrong Once Predicted His Possible Demise." USAtoday. N.p., 29 Oct. 2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2012. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/cycling/2012/10/26/lance-armstrong-prediction-cnn-documentary/1661751/>.