Argumentative Blog #4: "Reality Bites"

      The change of beliefs in Puritan lifestyle led to the Transcendentalist movement of America. However, in the 18th and 19th centuries writers began to realize that instead of romanticizing and idealizing events, as well as adding flair to a story, they should instead dramatize realistic events such as war, family, city lifestyle, or leadership. Realist writer George Eliot's take on leadership was that a leader and be flawed, but still be successful. As evidenced by recent events and events throughout history, a flawed leadership can, in different cases, both hinder and create progress.
      There have been a couple of cases of flawed leadership that hinders progress; in these cases it is in the hands of the leaders to kickstart progress. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has notably exhibited examples of flawed leadership, such as abuse of power over people and creating poverty. Since the foundation of the DPRK in 1948, there have been little cases of progress from poverty in this highly secretive country. It has been until recent times that leaders have called for Korean reunification and progress in peace and relations.
      On the other hand, some cases of flawed leadership have caused and kickstarted progress. This has been the case of the President of the United States, in which highly controversial and flawed leader Donald Trump has created progress. In response to the xenophobic and ignorant remarks by Trump, people have began movements to combat this, most of which have been successful in creating and raising awareness of topics. In late 2017, women spoke out against sexual abuse in the media industry, proving that women have power and a say in media as well. This has led to the condemnation of many actors and others in media. Similarly, previous president Barack Obama had flaws as well. Though Obama did drop bombs and continue war in the Middle East, he created progress in social issues in the United States such as the legalization of marijuana and same-sex marriage. These have been cases that show that it has created progress as well.
       Some, however, believe that flawed leadership can be absolute in hindering or creating progress. From my experience as a student, a flawed teacher and a flawed student may not lead to progress. I have had times in which my flaws as a student and the flaws of a teacher has hindered progress. Not everyone is perfect; it takes some work to fix or get around these flaws. Some people just do not have the capability to create this progress.
       Progress can be hindered and created by a flawed leadership. It all depends on the people's flaws.