Philosopher Richard Weaver coined the expressions "god term" and "devil term." According to Foss, a god term would be "a term to which the highest respect is paid in a culture." A good current example might be "patriot" as a god term and "unAmerican" as a devil term. "Citizen" is another term we give significant respect to, but we might differ on what the definition of a "good citizen" is.
In a piece called "Civics Lessons Beyond the Classroom" (part of a "Citizen Student" series), NPR's Morning Edition draws attention to two modes of citizenship - community service and political action. (Read more here.) Which of these, or what combination of these, constitutes good citizenship? What other beliefs or actions might be necessary to good citizenship?
When it comes to being a good citizen our society has defined this action as caring for your community and its well being. Doing your "civil duty" means participating in community activities and attending City Council meetings. The town of lexington has a festival every year in which the "important" people in the community are always in attendance. In the communtiy everyone attends the football and basketball games of the high school team, this is true of many towns. Even when a parents child has graduated many still attend the games in support of their community, showing that they are a good citizen. In America right now to be a good citizen you must suport our armed forces and their missions. A good citizen is appreciating the great diversity our country has and supporting its growth. As far as community service goes if their is ever a natural disaster that occurs the communtiy will work together to clean up the town. Jury duty is a form of service to the community.
Just some thoughts!
I believe what makes a good citizen is a person who lives a life in society with the convictions of respect, personal responsiblity and accountiblity.
Posted by: J. Beck at January 10, 2007 01:49 PMBoth good answers, one specific and one more abstract.
Gretchen's response emphasizes civic responsibility as attending city council meetings and football games, and supporting the troops in Iraq. This raises the question though, about what happens if a citizen disagrees with city, school, or government policies. Does civic responsibility include a mechanism for responsible dissent?
Joe emphasizes the qualities of respect, responsibility and accountablity. Good qualities, but what do they look like in practice? How do they play out incomplicated situations in which individuals might have different ideas of what they mean?
I think being a good citizen in the community is helping the people around you when they need it the most. I know when i went to Madison we had a club that went around during the fall asking people if they need thier leaves picked up and we did it for free I thought that was nice. Also it is a good for the community to join events like go to the local games or go to festivals I believe all of those are really good ideas.
Posted by: Josh Frech at January 17, 2007 11:48 PM