Democracy working for all, instead of some

The prevalent theme of this week’s readings is not that of a specific social issue, but rather what our role as society is in maintaining a democratic community within society. By maintaining this standard of democracy, we create a space where all voices can be heard and strive to make the plight of others less burdening. If we neglect this and instead allow someone else to tell us what to do, as opposed to striving as individuals to build the world we wish to participate in, we forfeit our control and thus dismantle democracy. While this would not viciously impact someone of a high socio-economic standing, it can be incredibly harmful for minorities. As West says, “[Du Bois] understood what it meant to be cast as a part of a problem people rather than people with problems” (210). Democracy is incredibly powerful for people who need their voices to be heard and not dismissed by the majority. Whether they be minorities, or “people with problems”, or people whose voices are systematically taken away by society, a democratic community means that they can be heard and that others can champion their cause as well. This is incredibly applicable to my community partner. Next Generation Scholars, or NGS, strives to provide a community in which students can get the help they need to succeed and become active participants in their community. In my short time working there, it has become very obvious to me that they not only assist students with work they are assigned and the application process central to higher education, both services that most “get ahead” programs offer, but are also concerned with educating students about racism and oppression and those who have fought to make their world a better place. Their library at the center is full of books on politics and ethics that show the side of history that exposes the fight and struggle of minorities to attain basic rights within our democracy. While working there, I have become much more conscious of these fights and this history and acknowledged that I can help, not by being a savior, but by providing support and a stepping stone for the children who come through. They have all the drive that they need to save themselves; by providing a resource center such as NGS that makes them aware of the struggle around them, as well as a government system that allows their voices to be heard, they will be successful in whatever they choose to do.