Boggs explains in The Next American Revolution that “each of
us needs to stop being a passive observer of the suffering that we
know is going on in the world and start identifying with the
sufferers” in order to solve the problems that currently plague it
(Boggs 29). A static approach or the lack of any involvement
whatsoever we see today is the reason for social stagnation. In order
to achieve marketable progress, politically or socially, or to
attempt to incite any type of change, active participation is
required on behalf of each citizen. As we see in the aforementioned
case, such participation requires selfless motives and the pursuit or
common goals. The only way the general welfare of the nation can be
furthered is if American citizens take it upon themselves to look
past personal biases and inhibitions to seek the improvement of
society as a whole, even if the benefit to them as an individual is
not immediate.
We each possess our own reasons for remaining inactive. Paul Loeb
accounts for this in his book Soul of a Citizen, in which he
emphasizes the need for social activism and civic engagement. He
relates to the difficulty many Americans find in simply getting by
and how this may be a deterrent factor in their willingness, or
ability rather, to get involved. However, he also urges the need to
act, explaining that a balancing act can be maintained. “If we cut
back on some of our diversions,” he says, “we can use the times
and attention we save for community involvement” (Loeb 169).
Defining and then dispelling common excuses for inactivity, civic
engagement is established as a sort of obligation.
Struggling to maintain the lifestyles to which most Americans are
accustomed requires much energy and leaves little time for much else.
Though, simply sticking with the status quo and remaining socially
and politically inactive only solidifies the vicious cycle. By
continuing on like a hamster on a wheel and refusing to be a part of
the solution, Americans deny themselves the possibility of seeing a
better society in which their views might be more duly represented.
By refusing to votes or fight for causes on behalf of themselves and
others, they become a part of the problem.
So
what is the solution to the this increasing problem of social
inactivity in America? To phrase it simply, it is far easier put into
words than action. The cure can be summed up in a few short
sentences. It necessitates the active participation of American
citizens, not only politically, but socially. To start, attention
needs to be focused on increasing voter turnout. It is the privilege
and therefore the obligation of able people to go out to vote and
choose the individuals they deem worthy to represent them. Beyond
simply increasing political engagement, there needs to be more
emphasis on the necessity of everyday Americans to fight for
collaborative causes. The beginning can consist of small steps toward
goals that directly affect the individual or small groups. A
progression from this would also be necessary, to ensure that
Americans are an active part in fighting for issues that affect the
whole nation, even about subjects that may not be of immediate
concern to certain individuals or groups. Now, when it comes to
actually putting these actions into effect, things are not entirely
simple. Progress toward these goals will undoubtedly be slow and
necessitate many small steps, but the level of progression is
unimportant as long as it is in the right direction. In other words,
it is not the length of the strides that matter in the beginning, but
the fact that there is movement. Promoting this cause is a cause in
and of itself and it is the duty of Americans to realize its
importance and ensure that it is actively sought after.
