by Timothy D Heard

Created on: October 20, 2008

Public outcry can be the culminating act of opposition against many a number of issues. These are obviously issues which have or may potentially affect society or the general public as a whole. Whether it be criminal, political, moral or governmental in nature, it is an act or issue which has led to the majority of society, within a geographical region, to respond in a somewhat "unorthodox" manner. Although society has in place, a systematic approach to addressing most all societal-based issues, there are occasionally, incidents that occur which are outside the realm of normalcy, and demand that citizens demonstrate, on an aggressive level, their opposition to and concern of, certain situations.

Public opposition can arise regarding many different issues. It may be due to an unpopular new law applied to our legal system, a political scandal or a governmental decision. It is even sometimes as minor of an issue as that of local city workers compounding rush-hour traffic due to an untimely road-maintenance work schedule. If it is an issue which negatively affects a public majority, it will publicly surface. But large or small, any issue which has resulted in public outcry, has already negatively affected someone in some way. Therefore, for some, it is already too late to avoid or change what has happened.

Public outcry is rarely demonstrated prior to an occurance, act or issue. It is an opposing force which does not become active until "after the fact"; which is why it most often perceived as being "too late." But there still remains a very important aspect to "public vocalization" of opinion even though it does occur "after the fact." The most obvious factor being, so that what has already happened to one does not happen to another, or continue to happen; and the public voice is a very effective tool for the instigation of change.

When a situation or issue does result in public outcry, those who have already been affected cannot erase what has happened. But demonstrated public opposition to these events can strongly aid in the cessation or avoidance of further or repeated occurrences. So although public outcry means it is too late for some, it also means that it is early enough for many to recognize this "wrong" and act upon it in order to seek out the termination of a situation which may harm a majority.

Sometimes a few must suffer in order to save many from the same.

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