Ch. 4 Response: The Outsiders
- Was Johnny justified in killing Bob? In other words did he do the right thing, or was there another option?
I believe that Johnny had done the right thing in killing Bob because, if he hadn't stepped in, Bob was going to kill Ponybpy. However, obviously he had been able to get away from the Socs long enough to have stabbed Bob, so he could've run for help, but, at the same time, he probably wouldn't have gotten very far, because the Socs would've chased him, and even if he did get away, he wouldn't get back with help in time to save Ponyboy.
2. Is violence ever justified? Is there ever an occasion where it is ok to use physical force? Why or why not?
I very strongly disagree with violence. I find that the only reason people use violence as an option is because they're angry or hurt and have all this steam that they need to let out. Also, it's the easiest way to feel better, a guy makes you angry, you punch him, all is good. But it's never suddenly "all good". You have to put the tiny little extra bit of will power and take the high road, and tell the guy what made you angry or hurt.
I also understand, however, that sometimes you do need to use violence. Now, I'm talking like extreme cases, where, someone is beating you up and you have to use violence to defend yourself. I mean, obviously you're not going to try to talk about your feelings with that guy. The only problem with that is that, then people take it to a different level. For example, say someone pokes you and you then spin around and punch the guy in the face saying that it was self defense and that he was harassing you. That's not okay.
Finally, if there is a circumstance where violence might be the only answer, I believe that you should never throw the first punch, because, for all you know, help could arrive in time to stop the other person from hurting you before anything actually happens. And if you decide to punch him before he punches you, well, watch out because then you will be the one facing charges.