I would like to hear some arguments or views about the issue of obeying rules and laws. Some feel that rules should be followed for the mere reason that they are rules. Others are proponents of the belief that rules are made to be broken. I happen to be of the latter group. With the exception of rules that offer obvious safety (no drunk driving, for instance), I believe that if a particular rule is irrational or "just plain stupid" (my old high school had a rule that one's hair must be a natural shade- no pinks, or blues, or greens- there are many other examples, though) then it should be protested or simply ignored. What do you think?

I do believe that many rules and laws restrict our freedoms unnecessarily. However, protesting for the "right" to have green hair or things of that sort is a waste of time. It would not change the minds of the administrators. Even if it did, what did you win? Nothing that would seriously improve anyone's quality of life. Besides, the rules are there for a reason--this does not necessarily mean it's a good reason. The rules do make us appreciate the freedoms we get when we leave high school.
If you are going to protest or resist a rule or law, the effort should count for something in the end. Even if you lose, you will know you stood up for what you believed was right and just.

Rules are made based on opinions. Some are rather obvious. Most of us are of the opinion that murder is bad so that rule goes un-protested.

The school board may be of the opinion that colored hair hinders education in some way. That opinion may be based on research and have some validity (I doubt it). If not backed up by some facts, its just an opinion. Those rules are a little dangerous. When you allow rules to exist just because someone "thinks" it a good idea, you give up a little more of your personal freedom without just cause.

I don't think we should worry about our rights being taken away from us. We should worry about our rights slowly eroding away by others opinions. These rule makers are people just like us. Their opinions are no more valid than ours, unless backed up by studies. The rules not based on facts are made to be broken.

Of course, one should always pick battles wisely. You should compare the negative consequences to possible improvements. For instance, is green hair in high school that important? That's what college is for.

There's a saying:
"Before you take down a wall, ask why it was built. It may have been placed there for your own protection."

By all means, question rules. But that doesn't mean you should automatically ignore them. That would be more wrong than automatically obeying them without knowing why they exist. Should we ignore the ten commandments just because someone set them forth?

Angelmuse00, you say "with the exception of rules that offer obvious safety?"
Sure, some rules are of obvious benefit to you, even though they may restrict the personal freedom of another. My right to drive drunk is superceded by your right to not have me crash into you. Or as the saying goes, "My right to swing my fist ends where your face begins."

So which rules should we break? The ones that benefit us personally? Or just the ones that won't hurt anyone else? The problem is how do you know which ones those are? Some people say prostitution is a victimless crime and doesn't hurt anybody. Others disagree.

The green hair example you mention seems like a stupid rule. You should question it. But not because it is a rule, but because the thinking behind it is stupid. But what if they made a rule that everyone in the school had to wear a uniform? Is that stupid? Maybe not. (Check out the discussion of that underway in this forum at:
http://forum.quoteland.com/eve/forums?q=Y&a=tpc&s=586192041&f=770193847&m=3561942002

You ask "Are rules made to be broken?"
A better question is, "Are rules made to be questioned?" I agree with cschultz on that and say yes.

"Question Authority. But raise your hand first."
- bumper sticker

Some of the best advice I was ever given:

"Do anything you want to as long as you're willing to pay the consequences."

There was a time when I would rather argue than eat and I'd rather be right than be happy. (I'd probably have made a darned good attorney.) As I've aged, I find that I don't have the energy (or the desire) to fight every gnat in the universe. As a result, I've learned to choose my fights much more carefully.

We take many rights for granted that much of the world envy us for. With every right, there is a list of responsibilities. Many people demand their rights but disappear when the responsibilities are being assigned. Make your choices intelligently and make sure they count, and always remember--

Be careful what you ask for because you might just get it.

The general purpose of rules is to protect society for the greater benefit of all. We don't all get to have rocket launchers because the potential for damage far outweighs your right to have high-power explosives.

I'm not saying all rules are good and none should ever be questioned by any means... but don't go around breaking rules just because they exist. The trouble you get in is almost never worth the gain (if any).

"I demand to be minty!" -Happy Noodle Boy

Hi,
Yes it is widely believed that if rules exist they are just made to be broken,but my views compel me to think that rules are made to enhance our personality (usually in academies)or even to protect the society for the greater benefit as Bedlin said before.And as I am studying so in accordance to that,I`ll present my view that if the teacher implements any sort of rule ,the followers has to follow but rejection always remains there and no one even thinks of following it.Why is this ?I always try to or even always follow them but the friends of mine or you can say my fellows always claim or breaking them.
Rules,if are not beneficent then questions can be raised.If rules are made then it does not mean that following them is compulsory even "By hook or by crook" ,amendments are also being under consideration.Fine..
So if anyone disagrees so reply please.
Thankz!!
Lena________________________I am new here so if any thing goes wrong so please don`t mind.

Rules are made to be followed to the extent that they serve their purpose. Then they are made to be changed through means comenserate to the extent which they fail to serve. Who decides if rules serve their purpose? Those who must live with the consequences of the rules.