3047 Citizens Working for Justice
Faith in Action Dept., UUA

Paul Loeb’s inspiring address urging people to "make your life count and refuse cynicism" was given to a full and receptive house. His passionate voice spoke for acting consciously, against indifference or retreating into the comfort of the "private sphere."

Since September 11th the web of interconnection has been revealed and complacency challenged. Citizens have been shaken and many are reaching out into the "web of interconnectedness" -- either across the lane or across the world. This is a propitious moment and cannot be lost to feelings of hopelessness. We have a responsibility to participate fully in public life. But this is not without its difficulties.

Loeb identified several problems in having the energy, conviction, and courage to become involved. First, we must make a distinction between caring and acting. Caring is passive with no risk taken. Acting requires patience and preparation, and we must be prepared to risk criticism. Loeb pointed out that often people have been taught not to act, therefore they don’t feel they have the standing to speak out and act effectively. This "learned helplessness" can be overcome. In fact, Loeb insists, "We don’t know who is going to Blossom."

The examples he shared spoke volumes about how seemingly humble people have refused to be victims and changed the course of history. Rosa Parks, the "woman who wouldn’t go to the back of the bus" in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama, but remained in the "white’s section in a white’s seat," is credited with setting in motion the civil rights movement which led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Black woman’s action goes a long way to question the trap many fall into, that is, "the illusion of powerlessness."

Second, the fear of "the perfect standard" inhibits acting or even questioning that which must be questioned. Media spots and talk programs are filled with people considered more eloquent than ourselves who are regularly invited to appear on mainstream television as "experts." Viewing Saul Alinsky, Martin Luther King, and even Paul Loeb as models for activism or protest can be daunting and may prevent us from considering ourselves as capable of following in their spirit. America’s prevailing culture of cynicism insists that we can do nothing and encourages us to leave important decisions to others. But the world belongs to all of us and we must all make choices to engage or participate -- or risk leaving it to the elite or others whose perception of the "common good" we do not share.

Third, the media reinforces the notion that social change takes place in a vacuum. However, in reality, social change requires consciously making links with others and is a step-by-step process. Issues do not disappear between fleeting spots in the media, where context and previous commitment is often ignored.

The story of Rosa Parks is often presented without context, and we are unable to make meaning of what is presented as a single act, without knowing of her previous engagement in her community prior to that memorable day December 1st, 1955. She was, in fact, well-respected in the black community for her work, and there were no television or radio microphones vying for her attention. Rosa Parks had a quiet way of acting and protesting, and even today this would not draw attention. But there was a context, and it is still being ignored. Thus the public’s perception is that it all just happened one day.

Encourage people to take the first step, talk with neighbors, seek out people who think alike, and then make links with people who may be ideologically different. Look for common ground. Feeling daunted is natural, and does change to feeling better, and recognizing inner strengths.

Virginia Ramirez, a woman who left school after grade eight in Texas is a model of surmounting her frustration and becoming involved. In the early 1980’s she was moved, due to a tragedy that happened in her community, to become involved in COPS (Communities Organized for Public Service, a volunteer-based community network organized by the late Saul Alinsky). Ramirez’ journey into public life and community activism wasn’t easy or natural given her background, but she made the journey and she effected change, not only for her community but also for herself. Testifying before a Senate Committee in Washington, D.C., she helped bring in innovative job-training programs, and she developed potential she would never have imagined she had. (Voilà!)

Victories must be celebrated, and adopting a long-term perspective will strengthen people’s commitment, especially in this new politico-military climate led by George W. Bush and in an absence of strong moral leadership. Bush’s team not only sets the priorities, but also defines who to attack and who is the enemy, and, even more worrying, define patriotism very narrowly. The challenge is to redefine patriotism to be inclusive and to mean asking difficult questions in difficult times that are unwelcome by this administration. Issues are complex and difficult and we should feel the right to speak out and challenge patterns and Congressional decisions. It is either this or quietly move towards a Soviet social model: only those in power have the right to question.

In this way, public debate becomes a healthy dialogue and debate. Issues in other parts of the world are not ignored. We take responsibility for suffering. We reach out rather than sliding into our comfort zone and live with privilege. Taking on issues connects us with the future and nurtures a sense of possibility. Above all we must remember that "You can’t do everything, but you can do something, and then some more."

Soul of a Citizen is Loeb’s recently published book (St. Martin’s Griffin), New York.

Reporter Caroline Jondahl, Editor Jone Johnson Lewis

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