Individuals and Society

American social institutions treat individuals fairly because people are a threat to themselves, they are a danger to others and without a judicial system there would be mass chaos. Delusion is the main theme in the early twentieth century in "The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber when Walter is thrown back and forth between reality and a daydream state. Twenty five years later, Ray Bradbury, presents the schizophrenic views of Albert Brock in the story "The Murderer." The most sanely treated patient, however, is seen in the late twentieth century between Doctor Mark Powell and Probe in Gene Brewer's K-Pax.

"Back it up, Mac! Look out for that Buick!" were only some of the preaching's Mr. Mitty heard during his state of inattentiveness nearly causes several accidents. Another clearly portrayed view that Americans are a danger to themselves is shown by Brewer. Probe went through a tragic event that manifested itself through an altered state of reality and eventually left him as a mindless vegetable.

A risk to others is reinforced by Brock after being arrested for "murdering" electronics. "And did you realize in committing these crimes that the wrist radio, the broadcasting transmitter, the phone, the bus radio, the office intercom, all were rented or were some-one else's property?" Albert reinforces his punishment by boldly stating "I would do it all over again." Another high offender to others is clearly shown by the pleas of Mrs. Mitty to slow the car down while Walter, in his unmindful state, drives recklessly down the road.

Without courts or a judicial system, according to Bradbury, there would be "Pandemonium, riot, and chaos!" This is shown when Albert brings a portable diathermy machine onto a public bus carrying citizens. With a complete lack of concern for others well being Mr. Brock carried this event out. Without due process, Porter's killing of another man would never have been discovered. After many counseling sessions between Probe and Dr. Powell, do we realize the true madness behind Mr. Porter.

American social systems treat individuals fairly because they are given due process, individuals are read their civil rights, and they are notified of their patient rights. People cannot live in harmony without a set of laws or boundaries. Without rules this would be a place