Sunday, March 1, 2009
Solidarity right or wrong?
The main idea behind solidarity is that people are supposed to stick together and look out for each other. I feel that this is a very good and valid point but, I do have several problems with this theory and its modern day supposive practice. For example in Loyola many teachers and staff will tell of how Loyola promotes solidarity. I on the other hand think that in many ways it hinders it more times that it actually helps it. A perfect example of this is missions. This is meant to have students give their extra money so it can go out and help the needy which is supposed to help kids demostrate solidarity. I feel though that all this does is prohibit it because kids are just giving money to a faceless person. They are not actually going out and connecting and uniting with these people who are in need. that is why i feel that the idea of soldarity is good, but its modern day practice is not always done correctly.
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Matt brings up an excellent point. In contemporary society, many people are content with just giving a few bucks here and there for a certain charity. Although I believe this is acceptable and a nice action, it doesn't take much effort to do. If we really want to act in solidarity, we must use our various skills to help those around us. "Actions speak louder than words" has always been a phrase that I could not agree more with. In this sense, we must all committ ourselves to helping those around us. One such example through Loyola is Summer Service trips. In these experiences, students discover the true meaning of solidarity, and what it is like to help someone first-hand. It's a far more rewarding experience than handing a few bucks to a charity.
ReplyDeleteI think that Matt makes a good point and I agree that just throwing money in a envelope takes away from the personal meaning. Also, in Loyola, students are worried about not having enough money for lunch and they make excuses to not donate. I think that it is a bit rediculous that those who have been snacking all day can't give up one meal (especially from the caf) and maybe make their own lunch. Giving money to charity is a selfless act and I think people need to be thinking a little more about what the motive is behind it. Especially when they have to be given something (like a jean day) in order to give something up.
ReplyDeleteI completley agree with the statement that the idea of solidarity is wonderful but it is not practiced today to its full extent. Giving money to missions is wonderful but more meaningful things can be done like actually going and helping. I think that by helping people one realizes that we are people who need help we are all a part of humanity. I think that the world is like a body each and everyone is like a different part of it the heart, lungs, etc. neither part can work by itself. If everyone really recognized how we are all united then we would ultimate solidarity and the world would run more efficiently. Back to what Matt said actually putting a face to the people we are giving money to would really help us exercise the idea of solidarity.
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