Why follow Locke?

[hunter8768]

With Locke's history of bad decisions in life and even a few on the island, who would want to follow him? Think about it, even Ben wanted to go with him. That should tell everyone that maybe its a bad idea to go with Locke.

We have the luxury of knowing more of Locke's past than anyone else on the island, except maybe Ben, but he has made bad decisions while he has been there too. He got Boone killed by having him go in the plane when he could have gotten help or at least told someone else about it and maybe they would have done something else. He waited until Boone's death to tell anyone about the hatch when they could have methodically tries to open it instead of blowing it up. He was the reason Desmond had to use the failsafe switch because he tore up the computer so no one could enter the code numbers because he was sure nothing would happen. Then the latest when he tried to kill Naomi with the knife.

Knowing all of the stupid stuff he has done since being at the island, why would anyone still follow him?

[bunnydixon]

i think a lot of people are not following locke they are following charlie as hurley mentioned that he was gonna listen to his friend charlie and then went with locke as did claire with aaron for the same reason.

[Lostopoly]

I want to know why the French chick is suddenly in with them.

[bunnydixon]

she doesnt want to leave - she said the island was her home now.

i guess its like being institutionalised - after so long, the prospect of integrating back into society is daunting.

[Lostopoly]

I am starting to think some of them are getting the hang of island living and they know Locke doesn't want to leave. But Locke wants to be safe and Jack keep flubbing the Dudley do right act.

[aZiXx]

Ben has done bad things, but he had his reasons for doing them. It is relative to your perspective of what is the right thing, what is the right path to follow. Ben wants to protect the island, but he lies and manipulates. Just because Ben shares the desire to keep the island safe with Locke, does not mean Locke is bad like Ben. I could make the same false comparison about the other characters in relation to Ben since they went too, but it's a matter of perspective.

Locke is a good person. Why? He did not kill Boon. Boon died due to his blood going into his leg from the wound. It can be perceived that Jack could have saved his life if he knew Boon's leg was crushed. Locke made a bad call as he has throughout his life, as everyone does, including Jack. Locke has helped everyone in their path/test with the island, including Boon. He has never tried to kill anyone of his fellow survivors, unlike Jack. Locke has a great soul/spirit/consciousness. The only person I recall him attempting to kill was Naomi, and that I would say was another of his bad calls, he didn't need to go all the way and try to kill her. But in his perspective of knowing about the islands powers and being in a unique position, would the others have listened to him about the island being special (which it is) and why Naomi should not be trusted? No. He wouldn't even get a chance to make his case. Jack would do as he always does, and start patronising or ridiculing Locke for his accurate knowledge and Naomi would be protected even though she could pose a threat. Everyone is close minded to Locke's views and relies on Jack the doctor because of the "I'll put my life in the hands of the doctor because he is our leader and a doctor" mentality.

We all remember the seemingly blind defense he had for Juliet even when the others had good reason not to trust her. Yet he would only do as he thought was right, regardless of the input of the others regarding Juliet. Yes Jack was right about her being good, but why couldn't he talk to the main people, Sayid, Kate, etc about his justifications? Then they would understand more.. but no he shut them out.

There is a lack of communication between all the survivors. If they all shared there experiences on the island, they would all understand it's importance and be more willing to accept certain judgments. Locke has had horrible treatment by those he cared for in his past, and this affects his trust in people. He is a tortured soul. He screwed up bad by destroying the computer that would have killed them all. But at least he regained his faith in the island afterwards, and at least he had faith to begin with in order to lose it. Jack would have let the button pushing stop that day Desmond left if John did not insist.

I probably have more good points to say about Locke, but I can't think of more at this moment.