Question of the Day- Unreasonable Authority Figures

We are currently reading One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest in class and the students (all Senior boys) are really enjoying the story and the development of the characters. One of the themes we are discussing happens to deal with unreasonable authority figures and how to deal with them. Since most of these students are not yet 18 and the majority of them have been to a residential treatment center for mental or emotional problems, they have a unique perspective about the mental health departments or programs in our country. Some have even said this book is a scary parallel to their own experiences.

After asking this question:

 

 

 

We had a great discussion about how to handle people who use their power to control others against their will. Some suggestions, including illegal ones, were thrown around and then we discussed the consequences for these actions. How do you get around the authority figure when the consequences for going against these people are usually severe and intended to keep others in check? If faced with a horrible consequence for "bucking the system," would you still attempt it? What about if that consequence would affect not just you, but your family? How far would you take it?