I believe in the script of All My Sons, it is displayed that people will put their family first because it is what matters most. The base of Joe's reasoning at the end of the play is that he did it for Chris and Kate, even though they don't approve. The end of act two and all of act three is Joe defending himself of a mistake he made only to help his family. At first, Joe Keller denies the fact that he did it, because he knew that Chris, Ann, and many others wanted to believe that he was innocent. And by denying, he was able to keep their denial up as well. After he continued denying, Joe Keller started defending what he did. Chris and Kate do not agree, they disagree quite a bit. Even though Joe helped his family, the end did not justify the means. 21 pilots killed so his family could live a better life.
I believe that one should do what is necessary to protect their family. I also believe that there is a point in which a line must be drawn. It is the old situation of stealing bread to feed your hungry family, does one do the dishonorable thing to help what matters most, or keep one's honor. As long as it is something that has a minor impact on society, like a loaf of bread, it should be allowed. However if it hurts society more than it helps, one must set aside their family. Sad but true. Family cannot always come first, if that happens, it justifies doing anything for one's family. That simply cannot be. A line must be drawn.
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I agree with you that a line must be drawn. One cannot sit back leaving their family unproteced, but on the other hand if the means they take in order to protect their family hurts society, then the family should be set aside. However, I don't agree that a dishonable thing, even if it has a minor impact, should be allowed. Eventually, what was once a minor impact will transform into a major impact.
The stealing bread to feed your family comment makes me think of Les Mis...
But I agree with what you said about a clear bright-line. If we don't set out standards, it would be easy to just ask on selfish impulse. Trying to provide for your family is one thing but hurting others to achieve that aim is another.
I agree with you that a line has to be drawn, and a very fine one at that. The simple truth is, if your actions are going to hurt society more than they are going to help your family, then you have to forsake your family and go with society. If Joe Keller followed this rule, he would have done things different because the death of 21 pilots hurts society more than the increasing financial security of one person.
I think it is proven in AMS that family first is not the case. Joe kills himself in the end because he realizes that his sons thought that everyone was his son, that society matters. He played innocent for his family even though he was guilty for the death of his own. He is the one that thinks family is first, but hes the only one.
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