Emma Goldman Minorities vs Majorities
... as possible yet still accepted by the people because most will submit to popular opinion. She argues that the people ˇ§follow their leaders even unto destruction.ˇ¨ She goes on in the following paragraph that true individualism suffers as a consequence, even though, in theory, individualism is promoted and encouraged. Goldman claims that the numbers and the majority so dominates that political leaders often get away with murder, that the masses are blinded by majority opinion, and only few are brave enough to speak up and speak out. Majority opinion has now become a shield for those in authority and political powers are able to stretch the rope without fear of repercussions. She implies that the public may know that their politicians and leaders betray them, yet they do not speak out, but accept it once everyone else does. This acceptance, Goldman claims, is ˇ§without reason and good judgment,ˇ¨ because those who follow public opinion end up as followers and not leaders, and put their fate inevitably in the hands of others. Individualism then is achieved by the ability to gain the submission of the masses. ...