Challenging the Status Quo

Principled individuals undoubtedly find themselves in positions of opposition to the status quo, and the measure of their courage and commitment is often defined by action taken in such circumstances. When the status quo is generally popular and supported by powerful individuals, moreover, challenging it can result in sharp criticism, public ridicule, and, on occasion, danger. The "safe" strategy is to retreat; the courageous strategy is to confront. Robert Kennedy lived in a time when challenges to the status quo were abundant, but largely ineffective, because, while such challenges were lead by courageous men and women, they were not embraced by those in power. Robert Kennedy would become one who had the power to assist those without power and ultimately became the champion of virtually every challenge to the status quo of the 1960's. As a less mature young man, Kennedy was placed into situations...