Social responsibility is something I've been giving a lot of thought recently - I think because I keep hearing about it in the schools I've been visiting.
The Howe Sound School District has set social responsibility as a school improvement goal. Elementary students are being taught empathy, citizenship, ownership, anger management, respect and problem solving though a specialized curriculum. Don Ross Secondary had an entire day dedicated to learning about social responsibility. When Katy Hutchison presented "The Story of Bob" at the local secondary schools she talked about social responsibility, and asked students to demonstrate it by making good choices like calling the police when parties get out of control.
But what really defines social responsibility?
I know what my parents would say - don't litter, don't lie, defend those who can't defend themselves, don't hit your brother (or anyone else) and do your best. They also wouldn't call it social responsibility. They'd call it common courtesy.
I have friends who, after many years in liberal arts colleges, would define social responsibility as something very complicated involving the boycott of products from companies that mistreat workers in Third World factories.
Then there are those who have told me I should exercise my social responsibility by cutting meat products from my diet.
In journalism school, we defined a reporter's social responsibility to mean reporting the facts and all sides of the story with accuracy and honesty.
I guess what I really want to know is where my social responsibility ends. I can't keep up with everything everywhere.
But I've come to a realization: social responsibility doesn't have to be a big, scary, guilt-inducing term referring to things we can't control. It can be broken down to who we are and where we are in life.
Elementary students have a social responsibility. They need to learn how to communicate effectively, play nice, empathize and treat others with kindness. That way, when they grow up, they will positively impact the world.
The Prime Minister of Canada, on the other hand, has a social responsibility that is entirely different. He has to make sure choices are made so Canada - and Canadians - can benefit economically, socially, environmentally and internationally.
Athletes have a responsibility to play fair and older siblings have a responsibility to make sure younger ones walk the straight and narrow. Friends have a responsibility to make sure other friends don't get behind the wheel drunk, and teachers and parents have a responsibility to make sure kids are learning about the world.
Which brings me to my last question: How do we achieve social responsibility?
The only answer I can really come up with is much less complicated then all the definitions, bit entirely negates the normal societal brush-off of others: we are our brothers' keepers.
