The importance of self and community

The importance of teaching Democracy in US schools should be apparent, considering that we as a nation are a Democracy. Yet there is an underlying tone which we also need to understand about this form of government which we as teachers need to inform our students. As Alexis de Tocqueville said, “…the more they look after what they call their own business, they neglect their chief business, which is to remain their own masters.” This is easily understood that it is important to play a role in our society as a citizen of a Democracy, but it is equally important that we make sure that we are taken care of, such as when we vote we need to make sure that our one voice, one vote is toward the betterment of ourselves and our family. A student can easily get caught up in promises of our leaders and their general improvement of our country, but they need to understand that if the mayor proclaims that he will cut property taxes for those who make millions of dollars a year, and the student does not make nearly that much, why then would he want to vote for that mayor.

Yet also in making sure that your needs and wants are taken care of there must also be some want to improve the community, which ultimately will improve themselves. As Parker says, “the paradigm case is the Mafia- a family that looks inward intensely and solely. A thick moral code glues the insiders together, but in dealing with outsiders whose are beyond the galaxy of one’s obligations and duties, anything goes.” If a student were to become enthralled by bettering only himself he may become lost in the fact that if he helps out another he may be able to help out himself. By example of Jane Addams, you can clear your table of the trash, and bring it outside to make sure your family does not get sick, yet if the trash does not get taken away from your front yard, as per responsibility of the government, then it will pile up and sickness will soon enter your house.

Democracy is one voice, one vote. You must look after yourself to be sure that your needs are met, but also know the balance that your community must have its needs met also, so that you can live a healthy and long life.

Its a little longer than it was supposed to be but I got on an idea and couldn't stop.