On the Waterfront

In the film “On the Waterfront” the main character, Terry, seems stuck in the middle of the definition of a traitor and a whistle blower. The reverend and Doogan both had the view that if you know the truth you should tell it. If you know what is wrong with a situation and have the knowledge to fix it, it is your moral duty to do what you can. On the other hand all the men at the dock feel that if they stand up against Johnny Friendly they will be considered a traitor. They have all been in on what going on from the beginning and many of them will lose a valuable place on the dock or even their lives if they stand up. The same situation: is your life worth risking in order to help improve the lives of many others?

The majority of the characters in the film believe that standing up is not worth it. They are willing to put up with it all to keep their jobs and money coming they. They all hold the same general view with the exception of few. I agree with the reverend, where if you know how to help a large group of people you should do what you can. What’s the point in just sitting around when everyone is suffering? Of course nothing in life is guaranteed so I can see how it’s safer to just go along with it all, but I think if you have the opportunity and the resources you should stand up. I also think that no matter what you will be seen as a traitor by some group of people for some period of time. I think it’s important to do what Terry did and follow through all the way with whatever it is you’re fighting for.