Easier to Stay Out than Get Out: Exploring the Dynamics of Commitment

Reversing a decision to commit to an endeavor or task often is more difficult than the original decision. This is because the original commitment may create relationships that either cannot be changed or can be changed only with great difficulty. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of commitment by examining the case of Sarah Edmonds, a woman who successfully disguised herself as a man and passed for one. Through her experiences, we will uncover the reasons why returning to her feminine self proved challenging, thereby illustrating the power of commitment and its impact on decision-making.

Thesis Statement

The original commitment often creates relationships that hinder the ease of reversing the decision, thus making it more difficult to leave than to join in the first place. This thesis is validated by analyzing historical examples, such as the case of Sarah Edmonds, who successfully fulfilled the commitments she made as a man but found it challenging to return to her original identity.

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Original Commitment vs. Reversal

The original commitment often sets in motion a series of events that make reversing the initial decision more challenging. For example, Sarah Edmonds, born in 1841 in Canada, faced limited career opportunities for young women in the mid-19th century. Her limited choices led her to adopt the deceptive strategy of impersonating a man. By cutting her hair short, wearing men's clothing, and adopting the name Franklin Thompson, she managed to forge a new identity and secure a series of jobs that were previously unavailable to women, such as a book salesman position. This transformation not only altered her life trajectory but also interwove her into a new network of relationships and expectations that significantly influenced her subsequent actions.

The Sarah Edmonds Case in Point

Sarah's story is a compelling example of how original commitments can bind individuals in ways that complicate disengagement. In 1861, as the Civil War erupted, Sarah initially rejected the idea of enlisting in the Union Army. However, her experiences as a book salesman and the successful roles she assumed as a man eventually led her to reconsider her stance. Despite her initial reservations, she eventually enrolled in the army, and her male identity and skills validated her presence there. She excelled in various roles, including nursing and orderlies, where her assumption of a male identity provided her with unique opportunities. However, her enrollment in the army created a new set of commitments, such as physical integrity and healthcare responsibilities, which made the process of returning to her original identity much more challenging.

Returning to Original Identity: Challenges and Strategies

Returning to one's original identity, especially after having made significant commitments, is often fraught with challenges. Sarah's experience illustrates this clearly. In 1861, Sarah was faced with the challenge of reconciling her wartime experiences as a man with her pre-war identity as a woman. Physical injuries, such as those she suffered during her time in the army, became a significant barrier. For instance, her broken leg and the subsequent re-fracture were not just physical but also symbolic of the obstacles she faced in maintaining her original identity. Her encounters with impersonation and the superficial nature of many physical examinations in the army may have inadvertently confirmed her male identity, making it difficult for her to accept and integrate her feminine self fully.

Moreover, the relationships and roles she had formed as a man would have been difficult to disengage from. The social and professional circles she entered as a man, the camaraderie with fellow soldiers, and the responsibilities she had undertaken as a nurse and orderly all contributed to a sense of belonging that made it difficult for her to return to her original life prior to the army.

Conclusion

The case of Sarah Edmonds highlights the intricate relationship between commitment and decision-making. The original commitment, whether it be career aspirations, social roles, or military service, can create a labyrinth of relationships and expectations that complicate the process of disengagement. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for individuals and organizations to manage the implications of commitment effectively and navigate the challenges of decision reversal successfully.

By analyzing historical examples and their apparent complexities, we can gain deeper insights into the nature of commitment and how it influences our lives. Memorializing the stories of individuals like Sarah Edmonds can serve as a reminder of the significant commitments we make and the impacts they have on our lives.