Be the Change

Allison’s essay, South African Storm, demonstrates key characteristics and deeds of good people in society. Her essay relates, as well as supports Gandalf’s quote in which everyday people can make a change in our world by doing ordinary deeds and being the change, we wish to see. Gandalf explains that quotidian people doing kind and loving acts created the biggest difference in society’s evil. Allison expresses this remark through her decision to walk in the rain along with the other black citizens of South Africa instead of listening to her initial instincts to run. Her sole action may not create an immediate noticeable difference, but as more people take the same stand and join her to break the barrier of racism and inequality, society’s outlook will change. Her small gesture of positively changing the way she reacted to an event conveys that this is the real change that society needs to move forward and distance itself from the evil. These ordinary acts can be anything from donating a small amount of money towards cancer research, to avoiding the use of plastic can holders, as both of these small acts can make a significant difference in our world. Goodness is not always initially visible in one’s choice, but darkness is virtually always apparent. Allison’s essay and Gandalf’s quote both portray the same message in which we must be the change we wish to see and in turn our society will be better.