Where would we be without Trust?
"As surely as Trust erodes between people...so shall a society fall to it's knees"
I wonder about this often. I wonder why the nation were outraged at the MPs expenses scandal.. is it because they had placed their trust in them and were therefore shocked that that could happen???
Was it that despite the fact that certain politicians had pursued disappointing policies, or at times let people down by not maintaining their integrity and doing as they said they would when given the chance, people still lived in the hope that somehow.. someway.. Trust could be restored, and we'd all live happily ever after??? Hmmm
You see Trust is one of those things that can take forever to build, but can be destroyed in an instant.
For example, I've encountered a lot of cynicism over the 'Big Society' and I wonder about that also. I've yet to hear anyone describe it as an ideology that is about potential social mobility, communities, individuals...people essentially... living in a way that shows concern for others, mobilizes and strengthens.. and I wonder why.
Have we lost the ability to Trust, or is it a case of fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me??
If we were to recap on a few examples of where trust is essential, such as... football teams, marriages/relationships/...schools...care homes... transport...doctors... let's be honest.. pretty much every area of life right? .. then I have to wonder if one reason people fear the Big Society is because they no longer want to have to care!! let someone else do it?.. maybe, just maybe ...we fear ourselves..
It is said that the oppressed, once oppressed long enough will begin to think like their oppressors, and given the right circumstances will become oppressors themselves..
Maybe that's harsh..maybe. You see the thing about real social mobility is it can be very difficult when you are low on social capital..
A community that has very little S.C will continue to have very little regardless of how much they enjoy each others company! Real investment is needed. But it's not just about money... (pearls and swines and all that!) .. no.. it's also about...Vision, and Ambition, and Connections.
Unfortunately the spirit of reciprocity doesn't seem to exist between 'them that have'.. and 'them that have not'... as people with connection like to share their connections with... (yeah you've guessed it) other people who have connections.
How many people develop real friendships with people who they consider to be of ... and I hate to say it.. a different class to themselves?
*And when I say class, I'm using the term in a purely monetary context, as class is a far more complex issue than many realise.
Communities are slowly becoming more divided and segregated than ever right before out very eyes.. and what is worrying is as the State pull away, how long will it be before those in the know, relish their autonomy and begin to manipulate the situation to serve only 'people like them' leaving behind those with little social capital, and virtually no hope of ever obtaining it...
I hope that is not the case, I really do
But one thing I do believe is we need Trust now...more than ever...as it may be the only thing that can... and will... pull us through
To be in the receipt of someone elses Trust is truly an homour
Ask an MP
No comments:
Post a Comment