This phrase describes that the people in power determine what is right or wrong, even if the outcomes aren’t favourable for everyone. It is generally used in a negative sense to mean that powerful people can convert their wrongs into rights. It threatens freedom of speech as it discourages counterarguments and alternatives that have the potential to favour all.
Although this is perceived as the general meaning, the viability of the concept varies from person to person. The supporters consider it essential in the political scenario while the opponents consider it morally unjustified.
In the above case, it is imperative to understand if the concept is totally unfair or has some positive outlooks too.
No – Might is not always right:
The following points provide some ideas to which the above concept can be related:
- When this concept is related to leadership, it is evident that a leader gets powerful not by the virtue of the position but by other qualities like persuasion skills or the ability to create a comfortable environment where his followers can grow with him. Once the leader is able to relate with his followers his decisions and actions tend to get the required respect. The best examples would be of Warren Buffett, Aung San Suu Kyi, Dalai Lama and many more.
- It can be related to the concept of privilege. For years a racial privilege was given in the United States to the white people on the basis of their colour. They were considered as important and powerful thus got the right to make laws and regulations which was absolutely unfair.
- It can be related to the dictatorship style of rule. The biggest example would be criticism of Adolf Hitler for being a ruthless dictator. He was a believer in the notion of survival of the fittest and his style of justice is widely unappreciated.
- The rule by local powerful groups renders the punishment system in a democracy to be futile. For instance, the beating up of Kanhaiya Kumar, the JNU student union chief by a group of powerful lawyers is unjust. This incident happened after he and his friends were already arrested, for shouting pro-Pakistan slogans and the court proceedings were in shape.
- This phrase is understood to be misquoted. The reverse of the proverb ‘Right is might’ makes better sense and promotes ethical behaviour.
Yes – Might is always right:
The following points provide some ideas to which the above concept can be related:
- This phrase can be related to countries and companies taking the first move to adapt to the environment to be successful and superior to others. These countries and companies can be considered mighty and their doings can be considered right.
- If might is used for a good purpose it is not wrong. For e.g. in India, the judiciary is supreme and makes decisions for the benefit of everyone.
- In a business scenario, the customer is considered to be the most important for the smooth functioning of a business. The requirements and needs of the customers are the reason for the existence of a business. Or in other words, the consumer is said to be mighty.
- It can be related to the battles and wars fought by kings and emperors, which are the best examples of the victory of the powerful on the battlefield. Also, the history provides ample evidence where the ruler had to surrender due to lesser territory and power.
Conclusion:
It can be concluded that no clear argument can be provided either in support or against the topic. The comprehension of this topic is subject to relativity. While the majority doesn’t go with the proverb, some people still believe it to be the harsh truth of life.
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