<p>Prompt: Is it important to question the ideas and decision of people in positions of authority?</p>
<p>People in positions of authority can either use or misuse their power. If one who is subject to another feels as if his superior is abusing his power, he should speak out. By considering my personal experience in marching band, we can conclude that if we think that an individual is making bad decisions or misusing his power, we should courageously speak out. </p>
<p>In my high school marching band, there are certain positions of authority given to students. Section leaders, for example, have power over the people in their section (e.g. clarinets, trumpets) and tell them what to do. Last year, my section leader, Zack, was rather liberal in using his power. He punished many people in my section with running laps and doing pushups for no reason at all. He even bribed us, saying that we could either give him money or stay after practice running ten laps. After a month of his tyrannical rule, a couple of friends and I approached the band director and explained to him about our problem. Immediately, drastic action ensued. The band director verified our story with the other members of our section and quickly kicked Zack out of the band.</p>
<p>If my friends and I had not spoken out, we would have had to endure Zack for another two months. After every practice (when Zack was still section leader), we would discuss if Zack was abusing his power or not. We were reluctant to bring the topic up with anyone else, fearful that Zack would find out and punish us even more severely. However, after a month, we summoned up the bravery to talk to the band director and resolve the situation.</p>
<p>Through my experience, we discover that we should report those who abuse their power. If I were to redo this situation, I would have gone to the band director earlier instead of waiting a month. Overall, it is imperative to speak out and be courageous when people are abusing their power.</p>