Guest Column - Freedom to serve others first

August 1, 2020

Why are we surprised that it is so difficult to get everyone to pull together in this fight against the Covid-19 virus? To many of us who were raised during or even in the aftermath of the Second World War it seems reasonable that in tough times to be willing to temporarily give up a few things now for the welfare of others in our society and a brighter future for all. The moral ecology of forties and fifties was we are all in this together. There was an ingrained respect for the authority of parents, teachers, clergy and elected officials. When asked to serve in the military, buy war bonds, plant victory gardens, help with scrap metal drives or accept strict rationing, most Americans were willing to step forward. America was focused on defeating the enemy that was threatening the American way of life. By today's financial standards most Americans were poor without the many luxuries that we take for granted; however, they were still willing to sacrifice for the common good.

Since the end of the late 1960s to the present most Americans are doing relatively well financially. Not just two chickens in every pot but two or more cars in every garage. Time off from work and vacations have become a basic right. Entertainment is provided 24 hours a day at our finger tips. Until this pandemic brought into question our basic safety, Maslow's basic levels of safety and security had been met for a majority of people. As a society we had moved on to "self-actualization and self-fulfillment." In short ,many people have turned inward. They ask themselves what do I need to fulfill my idea of total freedom of self- expression. Often in this "me first generation" others are only considered as they help or hinder what an individual desires. This is a new social ecology of total freedom where individual rights and demands are now more important than the greater good of society. The concept that, we are all in this together, does not resonate like it did in previous generations. Is it any wonder that today some people find it so hard to just socially distance or wear a simple mask to protect themselves and others?

This is where Rotary's concepts of service above self and fairness to all concerned can be an example to the world. As many Rotarians do, we all need to be personally involved in our communities supporting efforts to serve others in this time of great stress and need.

I am encouraged by the new social activism that is attempting to reject racism and serve those in our society that have been left behind. Perhaps the stress of fighting tough adversaries like the Covid-19 virus and systemic racism will develop a new moral ecology in which individuals are encouraged to consider others in the exercise of their freedom to pursue "self-actualization and self-fulfillment." Perhaps the expression, we are all in this together, can have a new life that is more than following a charismatic leader, but an exercise of freedom in relationship others.

Author: Carrel Moore
Sally Sugarman (Club Member & Windmill Editor)