People often follow a certain path that has already been built, that has been chosen by many; they enjoy the comfort from having a certain outcome, the certainty from not having a risk. However, this attitude can foster apathy towards issues in our society. In order to make changes, Allison Howard, through A South African Storm, and Gandalf from The Hobbits put forth the idea that small actions can possess a great impact on matters. Gandalf says: “Some believe it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay…small acts of kindness and love.” He proposes that it is the small, kind gestures that are essential to restrain the evil, not the extraordinary power. His point is endorsed by Allison Howard’s narrative – A South African Storm – where she demonstrates her belief in the power of her small actions trying to break down the institutionalized racism: wearing simple clothes, speaking Sothos, greeting people,… She strongly stated that she would not change anything by walking with black people under the rain, but she thinks that “it matters in some infinitesimal way that people like the Venda women…know that [she’s] here.” No matter how small the deed is, it is still a force pushing back on the convention. When the forces accumulate, they will become strong enough to overwhelm the issue and bring about a change. We can easily see the result from many organizations such as Feeding America. The organization started by John van Hengel, a retired businessman. He first volunteered at a local soup kitchen and donated left-over; then the idea keeps evolving. Until now, this organization is running on donations from people to distribute to hungry families. Many organizations like Feeding America have made great changes to the society, thanks to every small act from each individual who breaks the conventional apathy and wants to contribute to the big change.
Nicole – thanks, very well-written. And I like how you used another quote to support the synthesis.