Common Traits of Government Officials or The Abuse of Authority

Common Traits of Government Officials or the Abuse of Authority

Government officials have expressed a tendency towards similar behavior regardless of what country or time period they reside in, the signs of power, corruption, and general cowardice are evident. They tell the people what the people want to hear, but few people follow up on the issues addressed in campaign promises. Many do not know how, nor are certain how to follow up, so they entrust others to follow up on their behalf thus blindly believing that their wishes are express appropriately.

The essays Deep Play: Notes on the Balinese Cockfight by Clifford Geertz, States by Edward Said, and Arts of the Contact Zone by Mary Louise Pratt all give an indication of the misuse of authority by those allegedly in power. Walker Percy sums up this behavior in his essay The Loss of Creature. Each writer describes in detail how those in power misuse their authority by either misleading or mistreating the people. They also describe how the leaders behaved under questionable circumstances, or passed the buck or protect their own backsides from accusations of misbehavior.

Mr. Geertz is an anthropologist who travels to Bali to study a primitive culture there. He and his wife are ignored by the locals until a huge, but highly illegal activity takes place, the cock fight.  The chief of the village in question knows that this event is frowned upon; however, he encourages the villagers to participate. The ruling government, made up of Dutch ancestry, considers the practice of cock fighting to be “primitive, backward, and unprogressive, and generally unbecoming an ambitious nation” (260).  The Dutch views on such behavior can be likened to the United States views on public nudity, excessive gambling and illegal substance usage.

Dutch law enforcement officers appear like cowboys while every one scampers off to safety, Mr. Geertz and his wife, having taken a moment to register what is taking place, chose to flee also. The chief strips and jumps into a nearby pool of water, while the Geertz’ couple compose them with an impromptu tea party.  Upon questioning, these individuals give a most convincing story of how they had no idea the questionable event took place.  Geertz’ fleeing suddenly gets him the desired interaction he desires. He is treated like a welcomed guest or long lost friend. The chief is not frowned upon for the behavior but praised for his decisiveness.