After our regular member announcements, we had a discussion about citizenship. Citizenship? Sounds a little square, but we had a good response to this topic, with one exception. One attendee asked if this was going to be like a boring civics class. Well, this person did fall asleep during our discussion, but not because it was boring, they were genuinely exhausted from work.
For most others, the idea of citizenship was top of mind after an election with record turnout, donations, and volunteering. The discussion also attracted a new citizen, Angie, who had just voted for the first time. And she brought her immigration lawyer, David, to the meeting too! This added a unique perspective. The idea of citizenship was a very exciting one for these two. Here are a few points from the discussion, which was rich in important ideas thanks to thoughtful contributions:
-Ray opened up the discussion by pointing out that the Greek root of the word “idiot” means one who did not participate in public life, who is selfish, who only attends to their own private affairs, or who has bad judgment in public and political matters. Later the meaning of the word shifted to denoting general stupidity. This reminded me of something Harald, one of our Austrian members and a sociologist, once said to me. He said that all values are shared, and anyone with a value system they do not share is just crazy. They live in their own world separate from everyone else with little prospect for growth or change.
-We spent a lot of time talking about diversity. At first I wasn’t sure how this was connected to citizenship, but it became clear that it’s actually central. If we’re to engage in public life - and encounter a large number people in the process - then we’re going to encounter difference, and to be effective citizens one needs to be able to manage difference including skills such as acceptance, listening, and finding common ground. This idea goes hand in hand with the first point. To be a non-idiot, to be a citizen, you have to deal with difference. I’ve realized that it is exactly our differences that make us valuable to each other. If we know the same things, have the same things, think the same way, have the same skills - then we have nothing to exchange. And no prospect for growth or change.
-Along the same theme, Sharon mentioned that her idea of citizenship was about making a contribution to the world derived from the unique abilities, passions, and experience each of us have. That it’s our duty to develop these and give back in our own special way, that each of us has a piece of the solution that we must develop and put in place. This reminds me of Warren Bennis’ definition of leader, which is someone who fully expresses themselves.
-Don mentioned Pericle’s Funeral Oration which gives an inspiring description of citizenship and democracy at the peak of ancient Greek civilization. Don quoted this passage, “Our city is thrown open to the world, though and we never expel a foreigner and prevent him from seeing or learning anything of which the secret if revealed to an enemy might profit him.” There are many inspiring passages, check it out here.
-Angie talked about being a new citizen, and that she’s proud to be a U.S. citizen, and even more so after an election where the U.S. elected an African-American, something few thought possible until recently. She talked about the difference between the U.S. and Scotland, and that she felt that more was possible here, that in Europe your destiny was charted out for you and that it was hard to break out of that. Here you can quit what you’re doing and start in a totally new direction if you want.
-We talked about the relationship between citizenship, freedom, and uncertainty. In order to be free, one must take upon themselves the burden of uncertainty, they must chart their own course, and part of this is that one must work out their destiny, individually and collectively, with their fellow citizens. In some parts of the world, citizens look to their governments for solutions. In others, citizens look to each other. In the latter citizens may be more free, but may also face more uncertainty.
-David, the immigration lawyer, talked about the motivations his clients have for becoming citizens. Some are like Angie, who value citizenship, freedom, and participating in national elections. Some seek economic opportunity and stay within the bounds of family and work. Others become citizens and express that through engagement in their local community joining community organizing efforts or ethnic mutual benefit societies.
OK, that’s all for now. As is our custom, we take December off, so there will be no meeting next month. I’ll be in touch about our January meeting soon. Please send me any suggestions you have for topics or speakers. Happy Holidays!