What I've called "the Mafia doctrine" in many publications: when the Godfather issues an edict, others must obey, or else. It's too dangerous to allow disobedience. A leading principle of world affairs - though, of course, officials and commentators put it more politely.
Scarlett tells Mammy: "I'm too young to be a widow. " She weeps to her mother: "My life is over. Nothing will ever happen to me anymore. " Her mother comforts her: "It's only natural to want to look young and be young when you are young. "