Risks are the limit to making definite choices or doing certain actions. Risks come in different forms like side effects from foods, dizziness or sickness from rides, and injury from projects and experiments. Not only does it come from everyday life, it comes to moments that really mean a lot to society, for example, love, relationships, health, careers, and important choices that could greatly impact someone. In the book, Gift from the Sea, author and aviator Anne Morrow Lindbergh explains that in society people tend to not choose the unknown. However, she argues that even though the unknown is brimming with disappointments and surprises, it is the most enriching. I agree with Lindbergh when she demonstrates that she values the path of fulfillment and enrichment because it is proven true in the works, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett, which shows a woman named Skeeter writing a risky book from a black maid’s perspective and Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, which shows a man name Guy Montag that risks his life over books that are illegal in his world.
Venturing into the unknown is a risk, the path is unclear, and only a few steps ahead are visible. Nonetheless, I agree with Lindbergh when she defines it as the better option. In, The Help, Stockett leads readers through the journey of Skeeter trying to expose the perspective of several black maids in Jackson, Mississippi. Not only would it be a great piece, but she puts herself and others at risk because of the segregation and inequality issues at the time period, and some of the maids revealed depressing and/or scandalous stories while working for a white family. The decision to make such a risky choice was Skeeter’s, she chose to venture into the unknown and risk what she had, her reputation and the maids’ lives. Although she dove into the unknown, it was worth it. Even though she didn’t know if the public would like it, or how people would react to it, if she didn’t do it, she wouldn’t ever had the feeling of accomplishment and enrichment. People found her book interesting, profound, and very eye opening. Diving into the unknown may have its risks but it surely was very valuable in the end.
Erielle Amboy, 2020
RISKS KEEP US ALIVE