We love to envision ourselves as bold vanguards of ‘right’.
As champions of those mistreated or underrepresented.
Movies about such things are ones we flock to and find inspiration in.
However, when actually confronted with one of these scenarios we more often elect to side-step vice address the issue head on. Sure we may vocalize some measure of support and even make some token gesture if enough other folks participate, but boldly addressing the issue is difficult.
It is difficult because it requires personal effort and risk. We must forego our default stance of conflict avoidance, delve in beyond the surface to truly understand the issue at hand, and then overcome any fear we may have of judgment or repercussions.
The far easier answer is to remain on the periphery of the issue and therefore avoid the drama and an encumberment associated. We like to assume someone else will take care of the person or situation. I read somewhere about the different responses when someone’s car breaks down based on location. In a rural location, people are apt to stop and offer assistance as they recognize they may be the only support available. However, in a busier part of town or along a highway the default shifts to people passing them by, as they assume someone or some other entity will support them. We can extrapolate this phenomenon to the public square, and see why people struggling there are often left blowing in the wind.
“Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute.”
This Proverb calls us to action and encourages us not to leave things unsaid. It charges us to be the voice of those in need and leaves me feeling rather convicted.
Furthemore, it makes me think of a classic text that that adorns nearly all of the Holocaust Memorials around the United States and the World:
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
We have all been blessed. With that blessing comes a responsibility to stand up for those mistreated and marginalized. A sacred charge to provide a voice to those without one. Maybe it is time to stop waiting for someone else to take action and jump in ourselves.
““The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.””