Whenever injustice rears its ugly head, no matter how slight, I am compelled to act. I feel responsible to do my part in ensuring that whatever I see as cruel and unfair acts are adequately addressed. If it is within my power, I do my best not to let the challenges of society fall on deaf ears. Social Responsibility has died y'all. The individual, selfish needs have overpowered sensibilities that urge us to fight for the "greater good." Please don't misunderstand me, I am not rallying for a turn to communism or even a totalitarian government (although the implementation of universal healthcare and education is extremely appealing). I am looking, however, for solidarity and cultural, social, political and spiritual activism. I need for people to band together and care about each other. Care about another's well being…care about the wants and needs of another…care about the growth and development of our youth…care about the image that we are portraying to others…just care.
As I think about the Jena 6, the young woman tortured in West Virginia, and all of the other countless stories that are never even make it to mainstream media and I am moved to action. Sometimes that action takes the form of prayer, other times it is disseminating information about what's really going on in the world to as many people as possible. And then of course, I try to do what I can through my writing and with my actions on a local level within my own community. Every thing we do, and I mean EVERYTHING affects another person. "Be the change you want to see in the world"- Ghandi…great words. What are you doing to better society or are you, too, turning your back and letting the cries of the impoverished and subjugated fall on uncaring ears? Are you ready to make a difference in someone's life.
There is going to be a part two to this blog when I talk about social responsibility and how it applies to celebrities. Stayed tuned for more.
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It surely has died. I think the "Jena 6" is the unfortunate situation that reminds us that our ancestors journey and trials were meant to last a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteSome are called to the forefront to speak for many. Some are called in different ways. Hopefully my writing will be seen as my social contribution. I want it to speak loud and speak up and say things that others are feeling and it ignites them to make a change.
Someone made a comment to me recently and its stuck in my head and they said that they believe that "a writer has the right to uphold a certain demeanor where their gift to the world is concerned". It stuck in my head and it holds to be true.
Write something that can make a positive change. Write something that will uplift and expand one's mind. Write something that will hold us to our progress.
Though we are to be entertained in life...there are so many crying out to us needing just one bit of a promise for change. We have to care and it begins with what we have to offer.