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COMM 3030 - Communication and Social Responsibility
We all have a Responsibilty!
Posted posted by Anonymous @ 5:39 PM
When talking about the Wheatley readings, I thought that it was fasinating that tragic events and life altering changes made people in class and myself really stop and think what is important in our lives. Sometimes we get so caught up in everyday routines and stress of daily life that we forget to remember the people in our lifes that are there everyday. School and work are extremely stressful but they are not the most important things in the world. The people who are with us through the good and the bad times are the most important, our families, in my opinion.Wheatley's questions are questions that we should ask ourselfs to remind us that we are human and that there are more important things than an exam or a paper due the next day. These questions make you stop and think, but not just think. With these questions you have to really ask yourself what it means to you.
After taking this class I have realized that I do have a responsibility to the community and society. There are so many things now that I want to do to become more active in my community. If more companies that have a huge economic effect on the world and more individual realized that everyone has a responsibility to their communities and societies this world might just be a better place.
Jaime
Taking Personal Responsibility
Posted posted by HeidiH @ 4:34 PM
Personal responsibility means that I own the actions I take in my life. I own my actions and am accountable for the effect those actions have on others. Through this class I've learned that it is ordinary people standing for justice and good can have large impacts. But though individuals create good in this world there are also those who create misery and oppression for others.My feature article for this class looked at the progression of women's rights in Afghanistan. It took only a small group of people, following a strong set of beliefs, with guns to back them to strip 11,000,000 women of basic rights to movement, medical care, and education. There are countless examples around the world.
Being personally responsible means recognizing the truth when it is easier to lie. It means listening to the news and being aware of what is happening to fellow human beings. It means doing what can be done, not complaining about what can't. It means taking action, however small, not hiding laziness with exuses such as ignorance or weakness. This class has shown again and again how few or one impacts many. Personal responsibility means recognizing our place, our connectedness. No one can look to another without first looking to themselves.
Be the change
Posted posted by tvoss @ 4:32 PM
I think that the most important thing that we have discussed in this class is social responsibility, because through practicing social responsibility we are able to take immediate action towards helping our culture and our ecosystem. I heard a quote not to long ago that said, "be the change you wish to see in the world", and I have been trying to live my life with that in mind. This is what I believe social responsibility is; this is how I think we should be living our lives. When I heard this quote I decided to step up and take action, so i joined an organization called Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance a.k.a. SUWA. The change that I want to see in the world has to do with respecting nature more than we have been, and that is what SUWA is all about. There are several other aspects of my life that I would like to change so that I can really be the change I want to see in the world, but I guess you have to take it one step at a time. I have started my steps, so now I challenge you to do the same. Remember, it doesn't have to be a big step, any contribution will help towards making a difference. Do the right thing and be the change you wish to see in the world, you have the power.Values
Posted posted by Antok the Destroyer @ 3:14 PM
I agree with what Kyle is saying, and it's interesting how care and connection at times of crisis seems to be a pretty common theme throughout life. What Kyle wrote also made me think about the generational differences between my grandfather and I.When I was young, maybe about five or six, my grandfather took some of the family and me on a camping trip. He was always a very joking guy, would always play tricks, and tease me. We had a great relationship before this trip. I forget how we got started talking, or what we were specifically talking about, but he told me not to laugh. As any five or six-year-old would do to their silly grandfather, I started to giggle the second he was done talking. When I started to walk away he grabbed me by the arm, spun me around and knocked me to the ground with an open palm to the face, nearly knocking me out. I don't remember much about what happened after that other than what I was told by my sister, but I've thought about that moment, and ran through it in my head many times since it happened. For the longest time I hated him...
Growing up with that memory of my grandfather made it very hard for me to like him, and I rarely ever spoke to him outside of the holiday season when my parents would make me call him to wish a merry Christmas. But, going back to what Kyle said, I feel as though I missed a great opportunity, and It was only after I got a bit older that I realized it.
When he was rushed to the hospital for a heart attack, it hit home that I had made a mistake and so did he. In times of dire circumstance fault, blame, and consequence seem to disappear. I guess it all goes back to the saying of "you don't know what you have until its gone" and I realize now how important it is step back from your own BS from time to time and reevaluate the things that truly matter to you. He might have over reacted and I was probably being disrespectful, but it's an experience that has helped me understand and appreciate those things that are truly valuable.
Tears, idle tears, I know not what they mean,
Tears from the depth of some divine despair
Rise in the heart, and gather to the eyes,
In looking on the happy Autumn-fields,
And thinking of the days that are no more.
Fresh as the first beam glittering on a sail,
That brings our friends up from the underworld,
Sad as the last which reddens over one
That sinks with all we love below the verge;
So sad, so fresh, the days that are no more.
Ah, sad and strange as in dark summer dawns
The earliest pipe of half-awakened birds
To dying ears, when unto dying eyes
The casement slowly grows a glimmering square;
So sad, so strange, the days that are no more.
Dear as remembered kisses after death,
And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feigned
On lips that are for others; deep as love,
Deep as first love, and wild with all regret;
O Death in Life, the days that are no more.
Poem by: Alfred Tennyson
Responsibility of the Individual
Posted posted by Kyle @ 3:06 PM
It is amazing to me the way in which tragic and horrific events have the paradoxical effect of bringing out the best in people; yet in times of peace and prosperity people can have a relatively cold and callused indifference toward one another. In a recent class discussion of this issue the example of September the 11th was brought up and I thought to myself how truly amazing it was that an event that promised to be one of the nations darkest hours conversely resulted in a country wide out-pouring of unabashed love and concern for fellow countrymen.I then thought of another more personal example. Recently, my grandmother suffered a life threatening health issue which put her in the hospital. She eventually made a full recovery but during the time she was in the hospital I visited her everyday. We had wonderful conversations and I found myself looking forward to my daily visits with her. Before my grandmother’s hospitalization I rarely looked for opportunities to have this sort of contact with her. It saddens me that it took a tragic event, like almost loosing her, for me to appreciate how nice it is to spend time with her.
As individuals we must overcome the mentality of turning to one another only in times of tragedy. It would be a powerful force for change if we could all make the paradigm shift of caring no matter what the circumstance, of reaching out to both loved ones and strangers and of putting the needs of those around us before ourselves.
I am including with this blog a poem that I read a long time ago which I think compliments the theme of personal responsibility perfectly. I haven’t been able to find the author.
A Builder or a Wrecker?
I passed one day through a lonely town,and saw some man tearing a building down.With a "heave" and "ho" and a husky yell,they swung a beam and a side wall fell.I asked the foreman "Are these men skilled?The type you'd hire if you had to build?""Oh no" he chuckled, "oh no indeed,the common laborer's all I need.Why I can destroy in a day or two,what builders have taken weeks to do."I thought to myself as I walked away,which of these roles have I tried to play.Am I a builder, who works with care,making his tools a ruler and square.Shaping my peers to a well made plan,helping them be the best they can.Or am I a wrecker who walks around,content with the labor of tearing down.
...all by myself
Posted posted by L_Cacioppo @ 2:42 PM
Throughout the class, I was completely comfortable learning about the social responsibility that everyone else was expected to have. I knew very well that the world wasn’t perfect, but I always just considered it to be someone else’s job to fix things. Of course, if I was asked to help, I wouldn’t object; but I didn’t feel it necessary to reach out and discover what I could do on my own. Then we had the “personal responsibility” lecture. It didn’t necessarily make me feel bad about the way that I live my life, but it definitely made me think. I have been learning what to do for the earth and the community for the entire semester, but what happens when there isn’t someone there telling me exactly what I can do to help? It was really encouraging to know that I’m strong enough to begin something big and to know that I don’t need someone else to show me how. I can help in whatever way I feel is important, and I can do it however I feel is effective. Thank you Erin (and class), for teaching me and growing me into a better person.
Our Obligation to Personal Responsibility
Posted posted by Cory Jones @ 1:49 PM
I would argue that we all should bear a large degree of personal responsibility. I think that most students are like me in the sense that we are aware of many issues but do very little to help out. For example, we all know about the many environmental issues that are creating hazards in the world, but what are we doing about it? Every night on the news I see a story exploiting problems in the world; problems that I agree need to be solved. However, I never find myself taking any action to help counter the problem. Complacency has become a major issue within our society. Although we see these issues, I think that we’re so comfortable in our own state that it discourages us from taking action. We’re stuck in the mentality that when something is wrong, someone will probably fix it.
What Do I Need That I don't Already Have?
Posted posted by Cade @ 12:42 PM
All the other blogs that I have read have inspired me to talk about some of the same topics for this Christmas season.I will be the first to admitt that I have lived a very privileged life. I have a great family that gets along like best friends, I have never been without food, shelter, or clothing. I have great friends and my dad has always been able to provide for my needs and much more.
A few years back my oldest brother did something close to Christmas that made me realize that I have been given so much and I don't give enough back. He became friends with a latin american man in one of his classes that did not speak english very well, but they could still communicate well enough to get to know each other. Come to find out, this man was living on almost no income and all his family still lived in his home country and was not able to help him with his bills for food, shelter, and education. At about the time my brother found out about the situation this man was in, my mom began asking him what he wanted for Christmas. Being that everyone in my family really already has everything that we need and most things we want, my brother decided to do something better with the money that my mom would have spent on him. Instead of getting a buch of "stuff" for Christmas, my brother just had my mom give him all the money that she would have spent on him, put it in a nice envelope and on the last day of class, my brother gave it to this man that really needed some help, but was too pridefull to ask for it and didn't know what else to do to earn more money.
The man could not believe it when my brother gave him the elvelope of money. He told my brother that he need this so much to pay for his rent, food, and tuition. He had even thought about dropping out of school just so that he could pay his rent and buy food, when going to school was the main reason he came to the United States. The man had tears running down his cheeks as my brother left. My brother never did see him again.
There is a never ending list of material things that I want, but nothing that I need right now. I'm sure that there are thousands of people that have been given so much just as I have, and at the same time so many that need so much just like that man from the story. Why not sacrifice something I want for something someone else needs. I believe that some of us have been given so much because we will be able to help so many others with what we have. Those of us that have been blessed with a lot have the responsibility to help those that are in need.
Change is good
Posted posted by Tait Larsen @ 12:34 PM
At the beginning of this class i came in with strong beliefs that i thought that i couldn't be changed on. But i soon realized that it is good to communicate with others that have opposing ideas on certain subjects. And i found that it was good for me to share my beliefs. I never thought that i could be changed. So i thank all of you for doing your social responsibility and speaking out and not holding things in. I have learned that we all need to find the root to all issues and base are opinions on the facts, not just believe because it sounds good and corresponds to everything you think things should be. Their are others in our community and it is time to be socially responsible. So thanks again.Wow! So this is the last time
Posted posted by Anonymous @ 12:18 PM
I learned so many things in this class, I mean actually learned things that pertain to me and the world that I live in. I'm not talking about the "learning" I do in other classes, you know the memorizing for the final, or reading just because I have to, I can honestly say that I have learned about the connections I make with people around me and the world that I live in. I have learned many things about myself and the issues that interest me, and those issues that scare me. Because of this class I am more aware now about my community and the issues that affect my community. I have also learned that most issues won't be solved by me alone or even in a few years but that does not mean I will give up on the world. I have been educated in some of these issues now I have to take action. I feel that I am that much closer to actually becoming a more socially responsible person and be accountable to those around me. I am more aware of the impact my decisions have on those around me. I plan to take action and become involved in the community that I live in, my first step is to find organizations and projects that interest me, I will do this by going to the Bennion Center and volunteering my time, money, and skills, anything I can do to help those around me.P.S. I really appreciated this class and the people involved even if I did not get to know you personally everyone just added to this great experience. Thanks a lot Erin, keep on being awsome.
Joy comes full circle
Posted posted by allegri @ 12:13 PM
In this post consumer, candy crazy, santa sitting, Christmas caroling world, we have to an impasse of whether to please ourselves, or to give joy to another soul. Thankfully community organizations have made it possible to get past the extravagantly decorated toys that will break after one use, and the screaming kids in the mall, to give some Christmas cheer to a child that with out you would not have a Christmas.As you make your way into the crowded malls, with the mothers that look like a train wreck with the 5 kids all screaming for candy & toys, and the Santas getting their picture taken, just think of how with an extra 5 minutes you can bring joy to a little child.
There are many organizations that have "adoptions" available at Christmas time. Ever since I can remember my family would adopt a family through either "Sub for Santa" or "The Angel Tree", these organizations parse through the under privileged families and those who fall under the poverty line. When you adopt one of these families, you get a little packet that states the families immediate needs and the desires of the children.
This Christmas Sawyer and I adopted a little four year old girl, who's desires were a new coat and some dolls. As we sit back this Christmas and we think of the video consoles and games, and other expensive toys that it takes to satisfy the "desires" of our own families, lets take some time to think about how a little gift like that of a new coat can bless the heart of a little child.
Bless a Child
Posted posted by Sawyer Pangborn @ 12:07 PM
With Christmas approaching fast, Utahns are beginning to think of all the gift-buying, Christmas carols, and the general concept of giving. What most people fail to see is the numbers of children and families that will go this Christmas without seeing a single gift and will even struggle to have a meal, nevertheless a special Christmas meal. Donate to the local food bank, or even stop by a grocery store that's offering families or children up for Christmas present adoptions.The non-denominational church that I attend has a small Christmas tree covered in sheets of paper, each detailing a child's name, and their Christmas needs and wants. Katie and I picked a little 4 year old girl named Evelyn. She wants something as simple as a doll and clothes. How easy it would be to take care of her. All it takes is thinking of what we can buy for her while we're out shopping for siblings, parents, and other various relatives.
Quite simply, it's not terribly difficult for us to bless someone in this Christmas season. That's what the season should be all about, right? Christ came to bless humanity as a whole, so why can't we pass on that blessing with at least a tiny fraction of our income?
Posted posted by too_legit @ 12:01 PM
A Few semesters back I took an ecology class taught by Fred Montague. Fred turned the food web into poetry. He taught us that we all shared the same atoms, that all of us were really as old as the earth and that we just exchanged atoms to become something new. He said that when the wolf killed the rabbit, the rabbit became the wolf. This was his way of saying that we're all one. The last day of class he played us a song that illustrated his point in a slightly different way. Unfortunately I don't remember the name, or the artist, or the exact lyrics, but I do remember the singer singing, "I am a man, I am a woman, I am a bear, I am a tree...". He went on and listed several different parts of the earth and concluded that we're all one. Both the singer and Fred's point was that even though we all have different forms we're all connected and therefore we're all the same thing. When you think of the world in that light then the importance of social responsibility begins to shine.If we're all one then it's important that we all take care of each other and look out for another. I think a lot of people feel overwhelmed, like they have to stop every problem in the world to save/change the world, but really you just have to help the person next to you. The person next to you is the world. Changing yourself changes the world. This is why personal social responsibility is so important,we're all one.
Now is the time
Posted posted by Mallory and Eric @ 12:01 PM
Going through a semester of talking about social responsibility can be overwhelming. Just because there are so many issues out there that we need to be informed about and that are important. It is easy to feel like we cant make a difference. I think this is the worst thing we could be thinking though. If we let ourselves get discourages and do nothing that is so much worse then just doing what you can, small as it may be. I think that we need to find out the issues that really matter to us and go out and help. It does not matter how much or how little we are doing as along as we are participating in social responsibility that is the most important thing. This class has most definitely inspired me to do more out in my community because there is so much to be done. Being a college student we can get so wrapped up in school, work and our social lives, but we need to start being socially responsible now to help our world in the future.Posted posted by piper kennedy @ 11:06 AM
This semester has been a has been very different from all my other semester. I have really my classes and I feel that I am learning alot when it comes to social responsibility. We have had many discussion in class this semester about different things that are happening all over the world. I have always been aware of what is going on but now I feel that I can no longer ignore and take action and do something. We have all given the excuse that what I am capable of doing is not enough. We either don't have enough time or money to really make an impact. That is when I say, do something!! Even if it is something small such as helping a elderly neighbor or donating your time to a local charity. It is now the christmas season and many people take this time to volunteer. I challenge everyone to at least do something to help someone less fortunate this Christmas season. And the feeling that great feeling you get from uplifting someone else's life will become a addiction and you will continually take time to help others. I know that my family and I are trying to do as much as we can to help others at this time. And the spiritual feeling that I can is so much better than all the presents in the world. Seeing my children be happy to pick out toys and other essentials for children brings a smile to my face. This is something that I am challenging myself to do not only at christmas but all year long and I challenge you too!! Merry Christmas Everyone and good luck with finals!For volunteer opportunities you can go to http://www.voaut.org/
Responsible Dog Owner
Posted posted by Trevor Jones @ 10:54 AM
Walking around campus today I saw a perfect example of personal responsibility. An old lady was walking her dog and the dog stopped to do its business if you know what I mean. Then the dog scampered off and the lady, being the responsible dog owner she is, picked up after her dog and put it in the garbage can. Being a witness of this responsible dog owner, I was very thankful for people like that because I have stepped in the traces of irresponsible dog owners one too many times. It’s an easy task to pick up after one’s dog as demonstrated by that old lady today, but so many people don’t take responsibility for their dog’s actions. I am almost positive those irresponsible people don’t want to step in their dog’s waste, so why can’t they be more responsible and take care of it for the rest of us? I don’t know anyone that wants to step in it so I wish they could take the example of that old lady and apply that in their lives. It’s a small act of personal responsibility to pick up after your own dog, but it can mean a lot to everyone else.
Look Outside Yourself
Posted posted by anne reni @ 9:50 PM
We have been talking about ways to be socially responsible. We have learned about non-profits and volunteer opportunities in our community. Both are beneficial aspects of social responsibility, but I feel that they do not go far enough. Just being a volunteer is not enough.
Social responsibility is not defined by the two hours a week one spends at the food bank or homeless shelter; it is who you are. True social responsibility is shifting the focus from your wants and needs to others. It is looking outside of yourself.
This is a tall order to fill, yes. . . but day by day we can venture outside of our needs and lives just a little bit more. We can notice those who are suffering around us, instead of focusing on how miserable our lives are. We can slowly act on what we see and what we feel. We can do it, slowly. If we all do this, then there will be no need for the “volunteer opportunities”. We can be the social change.
blog 3
Posted posted by Megan @ 4:05 PM
Throughout this entire class I have been challenged I should say to give a definition or recognize what social responsibility is. What i have concluded is that social responsibility is an ethical or idealogical theory that whether it is a government, corporation, or organization they have a responsibility to society. In so many words that is the best definition i can give you. However personal social responsibility is so much more than that. To really find what your responsibility is to the community to the world or to yourself, is something that i hope in time everyone can find or figure out. I hope that I will get challenged again in the future to define what i think personal social responsibility is, and to see if i can meet that challenge. Personally i think it is better to be proactive toward a problem rather than reactive to a problem. Hopefully in my quest of life and personal social responsibility i can eliminate corrupt, irresponsible or unethical behavior that brings harm to the community or world.It's over....or is it
Posted posted by Sherie Comish @ 1:47 PM
The final blog! I should feel better knowing I will not have to do this again. Unfortunately, if I learned anything in this class, this is really just the beginning. I am now doomed to a lifetime of worrying. Am I doing enough to help limit global warming? Will my soul be condemned to everlasting torment if I shop at Wal-Mart? Do I even have a soul if I shop at Wal-Mart? How and when should I donate my time or money?Am I personally responsible for solving the world’s ills? Yes and no. As much as I wish I could, I cannot reverse global warming by myself. I cannot make corporate America a warm and fuzzy place. I cannot solve the world’s problems on my own. What I can do, though, is think. Think about how my actions impact other humans and the planet we all share. Think, educate myself, and then act. I don’t need to do anything big. I can make a difference everyday just by changing a few small things in my life. I can be personally responsible to do my part to connect with and encourage others to do the same.
Being a Big Brother can bring a smile to your face :)
Posted posted by Mike Rogers @ 9:25 AM
Over the last couple of weeks my conscience has really been kicking me in the butt to get involved in something in my community. The reason why is that I know how beneficial it is to both me and the people that I am helping. The reason I know is that I have had an experience that has really helped two lives, both mine, and a boy named Anthony.About five years ago I signed up to be a mentor for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah. I was at a point in my life where I needed a change. The only things I ever did was go to work and party. It was time to get some meaning back into my life, and I thought this might help. I applied for the mentoring program at BBBS, and was matched up with Anthony. Anthony was an 11 year old Hispanic boy. He lived with his single mother, in their West Valley apartments. His mother worked full time, so Anthony had to take care of himself after school until his mother returned home from work.
The first time I took Anthony for an activity we went bowling. It was horrible, this kid is lucky he didn't come home with a black eye. He was rude, disrespectful, and had a mouth like a sailor. I had no idea that an 11 year old could act like that. At that point I knew this was not going to be easy. That night I called my mom and talked to her about the whole experience. She told me that "You really have a chance to help this kid, and if you quit now you will not only be giving up on him you will be giving up on yourself". I love my mom, she was right. The next couple of times Anthony and I hung out things were a lot better. Instead of trying to be his dad, I just acted like a friend. We laughed, joked, I gave him advice, he gave me advice. Some of the stories he told me really made me grateful for the life that I had, and made me want to help even more with his. Over the next year we became pretty good friends, and in my opinion we both grew up a lot.
I still talk to Anthony from time to time, and he is doing great. He has a job and is still going to school. I have a family of my own, and a two year old daughter that is the love of my life. My family is my number one priority, but the more I think about Anthony the more I want to show another 11 year old kid that someone actually cares about them.
The Purse Lady, the Bell Ringer, and the Reporter.
Posted posted by tayler @ 10:18 PM
I consider personal responsibility to be kind of like a pay it forward kind of action. Yes, like the movie.Reporter Jennifer Stagg did a story on Sunday about a Salvation Army bell ringer who found a purse left in a shopping cart with more than $800 in it. He gave it and everything inside of it back to the woman without even looking inside of it. The woman, who had lost her job the month before because she had missed too many days taking care of her sick daughter, had been living paycheck to paycheck and the money in her purse was her rent money. When she realized she had left it in the shopping cart, she frantically raced back to the grocery store to find it but it was gone. William Reed, the bell ringer, approached her and asked her if she had left her purse in a cart. He returned the purse to her unopened. She tried to offer him reward money, but he wouldn't take it, saying that it was no big deal and that it was just the honest thing to do. Reed is not in a good financial situation and could have easily taken the money from the purse, but he didn't. The woman said that the act of kindness and honesty changed her life. He chose to be personally responsible.
William Reed paid it forward to the woman who lost her purse.
The woman paid it forward by calling the television station and telling them about Reed.
Jennifer Stagg paid it forward by telling the community about Reed's good deed. She also opened a Wells Fargo donation account so that people can donate to Reed to help his financial situation.
Those who have already donated are paying it back to Reed.
The holidays usually spark some personal responsibility in people, but when the holidays are over, let's keep the responsibilities up and encourage others to do the same.
A direct quote from Reed says it all. "Instead of being part of the problem, you've got to be part of the solution."
If you want to watch the story, go to http://www.kutv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=96769a1c-0670-4ff6-98fe-d55d7fe9c666.
Posted posted by Becky Jo @ 8:34 PM
Personal responsibility
Up on the list of cleaning your room or doing the dishes should be some sort of social act of responsibility. But who thinks these days to says,“After I do the dishes, I’m going to go out and do my part”.
No one.
Whenever someone says to me “You need to be more responsible” it makes me feel as though responsibility is a punishment. A punishment for doing something. But in societies case, that would be saying you’re being punished for being apart of something. Being responsible isn’t something we do for fun…nor is it something we are forced to do. But is there something’s we “Have” to do? And no I’m not talking about your laundry.
My beliefs are that most people believe responsibility is some sort action. When really…it is nothing more than a response.
It makes sense doesn’t it? Response…responsibility?
Responsibility is just that.
Not an action
Not a Duty.
Not a Punishment.
It’s a response.
A response to how you are going to react to this world around you
Being responsible has nothing to do with maturity
It has nothing to do with how much effort you put fourth.
It is merely being aware that you need to respond to your community.
And as porky the pig would say,
“That’s all Folks”
We Want YOU!!
Posted posted by the johansen's @ 2:53 PM
I believe that our own actions are to blame for our consequences. Many Americans believe that not enough is being done by the government and other groups regarding different aspects of our society. However, we must become more socially responsible too. We can't sit at home, while watching the 5:00 news and criticize everything that is going on in the world, when we aren't doing anything to contribute to making it better. I know that a big theme in our class is, "It just starts with one." I believe this to be true. If one person were to start acting a certain way or changing different behaviors of their life, it could eventually have an impact on many people and the society. There are many things that one person can do to make a difference, you just have to find it. So:"WE WANT YOU TO TAKE ACTION AND HELP OUR SOCIETY BECOME MORE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE!"
Catalyst for Change: US
Posted posted by Kath, Becca, and Ellie @ 10:44 PM
"If we want a different future, we have to take responsibility for what we are doing in the present" (Wheatley, p. 64).This particular phrase has stayed with me for the entire semester. Indeed we have learned that there are many facets to social responsibility. The media should remain objective and report the truth. Corporations should examine the way in which they conduct business. Governments should practice ethics in policy making. I believe in all of these statements, but I do not feel that I have control over any of them right now. For this reason I believe that change starts with the individual.
It has been said that we must be the change that we wish to see in the world. I believe that is true. We are each personally responsible to be a catalyst for change in our own experiences. If we want a world where social equality is the norm, WE must treat people equally. If we want violence to end, WE must be peacemakers. If we want others to see the good in us, WE must seek after the good in others. If we want those around us to act ethically, WE must monitor our own personal integrity. I truly believe that we cannot expect to lead others to any place in which WE are not willing to first travel ourselves.
I will take from this class the understanding that although I am just one person, I am not powerless, nor helpless. I have the responsibility to live according to what I believe. If my personal contribution doesn't matter much in the end, at least I've done what I felt to be right and good.
"The good you do today people will often forget tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give the world the best you've got anyway." (Mother Theresa)
Our Responsibility
Posted posted by julie @ 12:38 PM
No matter how hard we try, how eloquently we write, or how articulate we speak, does anyone hear our message?
Whether we feel our government is corrupt or that our journalists are inadequate at their jobs or that we are merely ordinary people who cannot make a difference in our world, we must stop with the trying to find a scapegoat. We all see problems, and we all want solutions; but instead of finding those solutions which at times seem impossible to discover, we stop searching for answers and start looking for someone to blame for our problems.
Before we can fully see and understand the solution to any problem, we must first realize how all of us are at fault. We can no longer blame one person or group because responsibility is held by every individual.
The government must seek to find solutions but at the same time have open ears and minds to its public.
Journalists must inform the public as well help to voice opinions and concerns of the public to the government.
Activists of every kind must help to distribute its knowledge to the community as they are in a sense experts and specialists of their causes and organizations.
Citizens must empower themselves by seeking information. We may not have some kind of paper credential that ads an MD or PHD onto our names, but we each have ideas that we can share.
We must not feel powerless or helpless to our struggles because we have a voice that can and will be heard.