Tuesday, September 24, 2013

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street






I saw a discussion earlier today, on social media, about linking two words together; they were, "Social Responsibility". 

One person commenting said basically that they don't belong in the small 'c' conservative world -- another said they mean nothing.  As a small 'c' conservative, I have to respectfully disagree.  Referencing the two words, they can and should mean the following:

SOCIAL ... relating to the way in which people in groups behave and interact ... relating to human welfare (well-being / safety) and the organized welfare services that a community provides

RESPONSIBILITY ... the state, fact, or position of being accountable to somebody or for something ... somebody or something for which a person or organization is responsible

The words 'Social Responsibility' should NOT, in my opinion, be something negative which is attached to the left side of the political spectrum.  Social responsibility is something we as individuals, and society, are accountable for.

That said, it should not blindly be given. 

'Social Responsibility', or caring for one and other, is a two way street.  We as a society are responsible to look after the well-being of those who need it, or are unable to provide it for themselves ... while those receiving it have a responsibility not to abuse it, and to pass it on when and if they are able.

As a society -- across the whole realm of the political spectrum -- we as individuals, and a society, are responsible to give a hand-up, but not a hand-out.
 
"Transforming a brand into a socially responsible leader doesn't happen overnight by simply writing new marketing and advertising strategies. It takes effort to identify a vision that your customers will find credible and aligned with their values"
~~
Simon Mainwaring (award-winning branding consultant, advertising creative director, and social media specialist and blogger)

 
Does 'social responsibility' belong in the beliefs, principles, and policies of small 'c' conservatives?  You bet it does ... but that's just my opinion.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... with the thoughts of one conservative

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