From: "ecodesgn" <ecodesgn@launch.net.au>
Date: Fri Nov 11, 2005 11:52pm
Subject: The New Heroes - and encouraging more? ecodesgn@launch.net.au
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Dear Philip
The Political and Civic Courage Awards sounds like a robust idea. It probably has more potential for creating social good than the Nobel prize or other existing awards. The civil rights, suffrage and labour rights movements have built upon and magnified the courage of individuals and small groups. These movements have maintained a high moral profile over time, even gaining greater credibility as we look back, for example with the recent passing of Rosa Parks or as we feel deep suspicion of the Howard government's attack on workplace rights.
I can see the positive aspects of identifying examples of civic courage, from any quarter and in any social/political context. The willingness, in spite of personal risk, to demonstrate a principled stand and take a considered action certainly needs to be recognised and supported, and through as direct a means as possible...things move very fast now in social and political theatres so awards would need to happen quickly but with due diligence. Locating and identifying the courageous actions in a global context would not be easy. Many people, particularly women in developing countries, are quiet but profound achievers...often their lives are in grave danger. Political and environmental protest action also requires great courage at times. Is it difficult to decide on a criteria for these new awards? I suppose you are talking about persons with an existing profile within their respective systems which they are prepared to question...and in doing so have a great deal to lose.
An award 'event' may demonstrate and validate models of selfless, altruistic behaviour other than those more-often associated with military or violent conflict. The courage to engage in a conflict and aim at resolution without resorting to violence, or vilification of ones opponent, or needing to achieve one's preferred outcomes at all costs, is often overlooked. People who also wish to act in a principled way, but who lack support, will be encouraged by knowing of others' actions when highlighted by an award or nomination.
For such an award to have any kudos and credibility would it not have to be offered by a group with substantial gravitas? Such a group may need to consist of large numbers and/or eminent persons and be in possession of a strong media profile. Gaining recognition for this group may take some time and effort. The incumbent power holders who are challenged by the 'new heroes' are likely to have significant ability to distort media representation of any group whose actions they feel may cause them harm. They may even soon have the legal means of squashing critical dissent. Such an award may be potentially seen as seditious if the awarded action resulted in criticism of the government.
And after seeing what can be done to discredit the UN, it looks somewhat daunting to create an entity which can maintain integrity, that is not vulnerable to vilification or, in becoming necessarily large, also becomes very unwieldy. The entity which nominates heroic action and presents awards has either to be beyond reproach or be of Ghandian integrity.
I would like to be kept in the loop on this one thanks.
Regards Graeme