To act, or not to act?

These decisions to act come with risks. What if we’re wrong? What if we’re not the right person to challenge this issue? What if we don’t know enough? What if we’re the only one who thinks this way?

At any moment, to improve our culture, we decide whether to take action or not.

Speak up about the injustices we see. Tackle sensitive topics few are willing to discuss. Identify behaviours that are unacceptable around us. Dismantle systems that keep inequality intact.

These decisions to act come with risks. What if we’re wrong? What if we’re not the right person to challenge this issue? What if we don’t know enough? What if we’re the only one who thinks this way?

Our culture is founded on systems, and these systems need us to fit in. When we do what is expected of us and keep the status quo alive, the system functions as intended and rewards those that fit in at the expense of those that do not. But there is grinding in the gears and bending in the cogs if you choose not to.

It’s uncomfortable to break the system’s momentum, and yet, if we want to improve our culture and make a true impact on our society, it’s necessary.

It turns out that in the grip of fear and uncertainty, taking action is nearly always the best decision, as long as it’s morally and ethically sound. By doing so, we push the system to improve and find new ways to operate.

In the odd times that we’re wrong, we humbly choose acceptance, learn from our mistakes, and do better next time.

If we choose not to act, we must live with the constant reminder that we are keeping the systems of inequality functioning and, thus, participating in its undesirable effects.

Let’s choose to act now.

Miguel,
Sparknotion – Think Differently.