The Failures of Institutions in “Before We Were Yours”

  Title: The Failures of Institutions in “Before We Were Yours” Introduction: Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate is a thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the failures of institutions that are meant to serve the community. This essay will explore three examples of failed institutions in the story and examine whether ignorance or arrogance is the root cause of their failure. Thesis statement: The institutions portrayed in Before We Were Yours have failed the community, resulting in devastating consequences. These failures can be attributed to a combination of ignorance and arrogance, as the institutions prioritized their own interests over the welfare of the community they were meant to serve. Example 1: The Tennessee Children’s Home Society The Tennessee Children’s Home Society, led by Georgia Tann, represents one of the most significant examples of institutional failure in the story. The institution’s primary purpose was to provide care and shelter for orphaned children. However, it became corrupted by greed, as Tann exploited her position to profit from illegal adoptions. This failure resulted in the separation of countless families, causing lifelong trauma for both the children and their birth parents. Example 2: The legal system Another institution that failed the community in Before We Were Yours is the legal system. Despite receiving numerous complaints and suspicions regarding Georgia Tann’s activities, the legal authorities turned a blind eye to her actions. This negligence allowed Tann to continue her illegal practices, further perpetuating the suffering of innocent children and their families. The legal system’s failure to intervene ultimately undermined the community’s trust in its ability to protect its most vulnerable members. Example 3: The media The media, an institution responsible for informing and advocating for the public, also failed in Before We Were Yours. Rather than exposing Georgia Tann’s corrupt activities, the media remained complicit, choosing to prioritize sensationalism over investigative journalism. This failure prevented crucial information from reaching the public and perpetuated the cycle of abuse within the Tennessee Children’s Home Society. Ignorance vs. Arrogance: In examining these failures, it becomes evident that both ignorance and arrogance played significant roles. Ignorance can be seen in the lack of awareness surrounding Georgia Tann’s illegal activities within these institutions. Many individuals working within these organizations either turned a blind eye or were ignorant of the extent of Tann’s abuse. Arrogance is evident in the way these institutions prioritized their reputation and financial gain over the well-being of the community they served. They believed that they knew what was best for the community and dismissed any concerns or criticisms raised against them. Conclusion: The failures of institutions in Before We Were Yours highlight a stark reality: when institutions lose sight of their purpose and become driven by personal gain or reputation, they fail those they are meant to serve. The Tennessee Children’s Home Society, legal system, and media all exemplify this failure, which resulted in irreversible consequences for countless families. While ignorance and arrogance both contributed to these failures, it is essential to recognize that it is this combination that allows such abuses of power to persist. By understanding these failures, we can strive to build stronger institutions that genuinely serve and protect our communities.

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