Indifference

Holly Leonard

4/8/17

Professor Young

ENGW 1011

Blog: Indifference

Indifference is a powerful word that can affect the lives of many. The word indifference means to have no say or a lack of interest in the matter; thinking something is unimportant. Although a person being indifference means they are neither with or against the matter, it can be very harmful. A person who is indifferent is also a bystander. If a bystander isn’t helping a person who needs help, it makes them just a guilty as the antagonist. People who prefer to be indifferent often do not want to become involved, but by bystanding they are automatically involved.

There are a few people in Friendswood who are indifferent to very serious events. One example being Dex bystanding Willa’s rape. Dex was friends with Willa and heard she was at the same party as him; he also heard that she was upstairs being taken advantage of but did not try to help her. Dex told himself that it couldn’t be her and went ahead and left. By Dex telling himself that Willa wasn’t there and she would be fine was a prime example of being indifferent; he was not concerned and did not want to put himself in an awkward position. Because to this, Willa was raped. Dex later tried to make up for his actions and apologize, but it still didn’t take away what happened and what could have been stopped.

Another example of indifference in Friendswood would be the entire town versus Lee. The town is undergoing a process to build homes on Bane’s Field, an old chemical dumping ground that is responsible for the death of Lee’s daughter, Jess. The town is aware of the death of Jess, as well as the old dumping ground, but no one wants to believe it is still dangerous. The construction in Bane’s Field will bring jobs, people, and a growth in the community, creating an economy boost. The town’s people are being indifferent to the matter because they don’t have viable proof or want to believe there is a danger. In this case, being indifferent could lead to multiple deaths from the chemicals. If people stood out and requested more tests be done to the area, it could save lives. Being indifferent can be dangerous to others as well as one’s self.