What Is Responsible Citizenship?

Being a member of the human race means there are roles that must be played. One role that most everyone can, should, and will fall into is one of responsibility. Parents are responsible for their children, students are responsible for their academic performance, leaders are responsible for those they lead, etcetera. As citizens in communities, we are responsible for how we contribute to societies. The most beneficial way, and arguably important way, to contribute is through service. The truth is that the more one serves, the more responsibility that individual is given, and they more they are able and expected to serve. Helping others is rewarding to all those involved, and if one really desires to become or uphold their standing as a responsible

Nonetheless, it is agreed that the higher the position a person holds, the more responsibilities they will be presented. Furthermore, the higher the position, the more chances they will have to serve. A mayor will be more supported, and most likely more effective, in trying to influence a change in a city than a homeless man. However, that doesn’t warrant a lack of trying in that man, because he is just as important to that city as the mayor. He may not be well-known, but his value as a person is the same as the mayor’s. It is convoluted thinking about human worth that holds us back from helping and creates “deadweight members.” These are the citizens who are not involved, who don’t try to affect change in the world, and who pass through life without contributing. These are citizens who don’t accept the responsibilities that come from being in a group but rather expect those in positions of power to solve all the problems. These are the citizens who more than anything else harm a community . Every citizen has the right and responsibility to be involved just like every person has the right and responsibility to