2008 Woodie Awards
Duffy's Corner
By Kevin Duffy
4/11/07 - Opinion
While we often sit on the sidelines of life, faced with the question of obscurity, we must never let adversity triumph over personal conviction. The question of stepping out there, of putting yourself on the line, is a difficult, but necessary, self-conscious decision that we all make in undertaking new endeavors. Difficulty derives from the risk encountered when we step into a new arena of unrelenting battles and unforeseen consequences.
Nevertheless, it is in the attempt that we become stronger and grow as an individual.
The great Thomas Jefferson once said; "We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." These historic words echo through history as a lasting reminder of our civic obligation. An obligation, not to political figures on the highest level, but an obligation to one's self.
As a public, we can make any excuse for not participating, but ultimately we fear rejection. Taking a stand of any kind requires us to face the possibility of isolation and humiliation in a world unrelentingly brutal to the lone voice of opposition. That is, to become involved, requires a personal investment of who we are and what we fight for.
We must never allow ourselves to jump from unconcerned indifference to fearful silence, without taking but a moment to pause at the intermediate and ask the question, "What if?" What if I made a difference by voicing my opinion? Maybe better yet is the question of, "Why?" Why would any personally selfish argument dissuade me from activism?
You will be faced with adversity; your opinions, your missions, your goals will be challenged by those who wish to close their minds to dialogue and reject the honesty of debate. The rejection is real, as we must continually question our own modus operandi, and face the realization that our point of view is not always correct. Thus it is not so much the outcome that builds character, but the noble attempt and our courageous resilience.
Nevertheless, it is in the attempt that we become stronger and grow as an individual.
The great Thomas Jefferson once said; "We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate." These historic words echo through history as a lasting reminder of our civic obligation. An obligation, not to political figures on the highest level, but an obligation to one's self.
As a public, we can make any excuse for not participating, but ultimately we fear rejection. Taking a stand of any kind requires us to face the possibility of isolation and humiliation in a world unrelentingly brutal to the lone voice of opposition. That is, to become involved, requires a personal investment of who we are and what we fight for.
We must never allow ourselves to jump from unconcerned indifference to fearful silence, without taking but a moment to pause at the intermediate and ask the question, "What if?" What if I made a difference by voicing my opinion? Maybe better yet is the question of, "Why?" Why would any personally selfish argument dissuade me from activism?
You will be faced with adversity; your opinions, your missions, your goals will be challenged by those who wish to close their minds to dialogue and reject the honesty of debate. The rejection is real, as we must continually question our own modus operandi, and face the realization that our point of view is not always correct. Thus it is not so much the outcome that builds character, but the noble attempt and our courageous resilience.
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