Communities throughout our nation are currently grappling with disorganized responses to fundamental civic challenges that, although diverse in nature, require coordinated action. Whether related to equal justice under law, health or education, a common challenge is observance of societal norms. Even though recognition of a threatening condition may be near universal, solutions that usually require individual discomfort and sacrifice are difficult to enforce. Behavior modification is not an easy task, even if codified by rules and legal orders. Adherence depends on faith and trust, not easily given, especially in an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Defiance and self-centered attitudes can supplant reasonable discourse and action.
There is a streak of independence from rules and restrictions buried deeply in the fabric of the United States. Our country was founded by objection to a model of monarchies and aristocracies that ruled by right of birth and position. However, much discussion and debate preceded a formal dissolution with Great Britain; contentious issues were clearly defined. Rules imposed by the king were determined to be arbitrary and unjust. Principles of rights and the common good were expressed through extended debate and compromise. The result wasn’t a perfect country, rather a country dedicated to pursuit of a perfect idea.
Our current situation is much different. In this case, thoughtful consideration of rules and reforms have been relegated to a patchwork of states, counties and cities. The product has been confusion and anger, resulting in sporadic adherence to mitigation efforts. Instead of a common cause to confront a deadly virus and civic unrest over historical injustices, a political veil has settled over our communities, heightening a quest for independence without regard to the societal fabric of our lives. The perfect idea is, at times, thrown aside for personal gain or comfort.
Just as woven cloth relies on all threads to maintain its integrity, so too does an effective response to threats to our way of life – internal or external. When rules are imposed using rational thought, substance and meaning, they deserve our attention and consideration. Independence of thought and action must, to some degree, give way to communal responsibility and recognition of the power of synergy – the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The idea of joint action and performance is well recognized in sports, performing arts, fashion, business and almost every human endeavor. It should be recognized when facing a pandemic and fundamental change too. Since everyone is affected, the rules do apply to everyone.
Logically, when faced with a severe crisis of regional, national, even international proportions, coordinated action would be of paramount importance to all. However, the loose thread of independence, while valuable and critical for a free society, can also have a detrimental effect. An anarchistic attitude of total and unfettered free will with no restrictions or rules is antithetical to any civilization. When residents decide to exert their independence, at great cost to their neighbors, this is not an act of defiance, rather a fundamental repudiation of their own infrastructure. Encouraging such behavior in family units – spouse, children, relatives – is denying their potential and relegating them to outlier status that may be beneficial, but more often personally detrimental.
Before ignoring or challenging rules and regulations, it is best to understand them and consider the motives behind their existence. Our nation was formed to pursue an ideal system of governance, even while inhabited by imperfect human beings. Although we remain flawed, our attempts to improve, change and protect what we have should seek change, not destruction.