Bob Dylan Argument
Written by: Cailin Loyd
Chapter 3 of Bob Dylan and Philosophy presents the argument that Byron de la Beckwith, the man who shot NAACP leader, Medgar Evers, was not responsible for his actions because he was merely a "pawn" of racist Southern brainwashing. The author interprets Bob Dylan's lyrics as supporting this idea, and also believes that because Beckwith was a "pawn" makes him entirely of his crime. This idea is ludicrous;Byron de la Beckwith pointed the at Medgar Evers and fired. Southern ideas has shaped his opinion of African Americans, but he was the person who committed the and is fully responsible. To use an analogy, say a decides to steal an expensive necklace from a department store. All of her friends were with her and pressure her to just "take it". The believes that her friends are looking out for her best interest, steals the necklace. After the package sets off an alarm when they are leaving the store, her friends walk quickly away and leave her to take full responsibility. Is this girl a victim of peer pressure or "brainwashing," or is she completely responsible for her actions? The same idea is present in the murder of Medgar Evers. Byron de la Beckwith was not merely a pawn of Southern racism, he made a decision and should be held fully accountable. He was not a pawn of Southern radical thinking, but a man who made the conscious to kill another man, and is totally responsible for his actions.
posted by Lisa @ 8:42 AM
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