Write to Win: What is one thing that doesn’t deserve a second chance, and why? (Round 6)
- Readers tell us the actions and activities they could never forgive
- Our writing contest starts with 10 students, who are eliminated one at a time based on your votes and YP editors’ picks – who will you choose?
Harming the environment is an unforgivable act for many people. Photo: ShutterstockRead the responses to this week’s Write to Win prompt, and choose the answer you like most. Based on your votes and YP editors’ picks, we will eliminate one contestant.
Lily: During our journey of personal growth, we are often taught the virtues of forgiveness and giving others second chances. However, certain actions are unforgivable, and those who commit them should never be granted another opportunity. One such action is the act of invading other countries through war.
A leader who initiates a war to seize land and resources is engaging in an act beyond forgiveness. History has shown us time and again the devastating consequences that wars bring, consequences that cannot be undone or reversed.
Wars result in the loss of countless lives, the destruction of infrastructure, and the displacement of innocent citizens. They breed hatred and perpetuate a cycle of violence that can continue for generations. Such actions leave scars on societies and individuals that may never be healed.
As we continue to evolve as a global community, it is vital to condemn and prevent acts of aggression and war.
Jasmine: Hatred is an unforgivable emotion which can be as thunderous as an atomic bomb, sometimes deliberately eroding the very fabric of our society like a parasite. Hatred might get lucky once, but we should not grant it a second chance to destroy our world.
Throughout the annals of time, hate has always been the seed of major conflicts. It often starts with something seemingly frivolous: a lousy glance, a hurtful insult, a first punch, escalating into a brawl. If unresolved, the tension multiplies with time until another catalyst restarts the cycle.
If we do not end the cycle of hate, we are cursed to repeat the tragedies our predecessors endured. In interpersonal relationships, among countries, in a world of differences, hate may seem inevitable, yet so is our ability to mediate it. We must always give each other a second chance, but not hate.
Let us prove we deserve it as we break from the tyranny of hatred’s reign, resolute and unwavering, forging a reinvented future for us all.
Marigold: Human-induced environmental degradation.
Life on Earth depends on the reciprocity of organisms, nutrients, and ecological interactions. However, anthropogenic activities propelled by short-term gains have led to rapid environmental shifts that threaten the stability of such interdependencies.
The ramifications of these actions manifest as biodiversity loss, pollution, extinction, resource depletion, climate change, and more. As such, it is urgent to address environmental destruction, for our planet’s resources are finite, and its ecosystems are delicate. Once a species goes extinct or an ecosystem breaks down, it is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to restore it completely. After all, there are no second chances when it comes to biotic collapse and subsequent extinction.
Given the irreversibility and cascading momentum of environmental degradation, prioritising its prevention remains crucial for all ecosystems, communities, and economies worldwide.
Lotus: A severely toxic friendship. When a companionship is consistently harmful or detrimental to one’s well-being, it may be best to let go and move on.
Friendships can be toxic in a variety of ways, including neglect, betrayal, manipulation and negativity. When several of these characteristics are present in a friendship, it is critical to recognise that it may be beyond repair.
Continuing to be stuck in such an equation can often erode one’s self-esteem, happiness and general attitude. Giving friendships like these a second chance runs the danger of perpetuating a cycle of harm and damage to one’s overall well-being, preventing individuals from discovering healthier connections.
Attempting to salvage a dysfunctional relationship can also prolong suffering and hinder personal growth. It is not always easy to end a friendship, especially if there is a history or emotional attachment involved.
However, taking steps to distance oneself from it can be an important move towards personal growth and a healthier social circle.
Rose: People who fail to engage in self-reflection.
When individuals neglect to reflect on their actions, they are prone to repeating their mistakes and displaying self-centred behaviour, disregarding the emotions and well-being of others. This creates a destructive cycle that perpetuates negative outcomes.
Opportunities for personal growth arise from valuable experiences like problem-solving skills and adaptability. Therefore, reflection is a crucial aspect of individual growth and development.
However, individuals who lack the inclination to reflect also lack the motivation to improve themselves. Granting them a second chance may prove futile as they are likely to fall back into the same pattern and cause harm to themselves and those around them.
A second chance can provide an opportunity for individuals to learn from their past mistakes and demonstrate a genuine commitment to change. Nevertheless, consistent failure to engage in self-reflection renders a second chance meaningless. Without introspection, they are unlikely to learn or grow, leading to ongoing negativity.