Miller presents a very compelling argument surrounding the role and place of a “superior” party and a “lesser” party in society. I found the section about temporary inequality, generally in reference to age, particularly intriguing. I never really looked at the inequality in the relationship between a child and their parents, though Miller is absolutely correct, I just never saw it in this way up until this point. Permanent inequality is definitely a lingering problem in this world that continues to not be resolved, and in comparison to temporary inequality, I think permanent inequality is much larger of an issue. I liker the way Miller says, “Power exists and it has to be taken into account, not denied”. This very adequately demonstrates that power is inevitable, so we just have to learn how to deal with it better, which is something I think the study of leadership focuses a lot on.
The reading about dissent provided some interesting points regarding the subject. Dissent can come from any side of the political spectrum, the left, the right, and even the middle according to the reading. They then go into discussing dissent in the workplace, where I think it will be most applicable to many of us in the future. Some of the information they present surrounding the cause for dissent could be particularly useful to employers as well. I do think that the ability to express dissent in this country is what makes it one of the best countries in the world, and it is also something that keeps us, as citizens, involved with politics and government without necessarily being a part of it. Dissent causes change and change inspires innovation which allows our nation to persevere through difficult times. And though dissent usually comes as a result of failed leadership, I believe it has the ability to, in turn, create success.
Your argument that dissent can, in fact, lead to success is an interesting one and I would like to discuss more about this in my class. We talk about how “failing” servant leaders are still servant leaders; does dissent serve the same purpose?
I also latched onto the idea of parent and child relationships as an example of unequal relationships. I agree that as a child they are remarkably skewed, but I think as I get older I A) rely on them less and B) have knowledge that I can offer back to them. That being said, I don’t think that my parents raised me with the thought ‘let’s turn this baby into our equal’.
I agree that power has to be taken into account. If not, I believe that a dominant leadership dynamic can grow out of hand.