Guest 664- Registered: 23 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,039
#1
is the Big Society really any closer than the day the coalition came to power, or just wishful thinking? This is not meant as a political comment but a social one.
My conclusion is very much the latter.
My feeling is that society is sadly becoming ever more selfish and mean-spirited, often unashamedly so, in fact.
Of course I am not claiming that everyone in the UK is totally out for themselves - far from it. But I think that cynicism and I'm alright Jack, pull up the rope/ask someone else to help" mentality is becoming more widespread.
It strikes me that the State is actually lagging way behind society. It seems to be far more benevolent in its attitude than a large segment of the UK population who seem to take a "let the Devil take the hindmost" attitude. An attitide invariably followed by rapid shifting of the goalposts if they are in need.
The last year or so has certainly made me aware of just how self centred and hard nosed some people are. Again, usually the dame people who are not slow to ask for help from others and seem to see them as mugs for doing so, with no intention of repaying the debt.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#2
i read an article to that effect over breakfast from a newspaper website, cannot find it now.
there will always be self centred people but my experience living here in dover is that there are stacks more people that are concerned for others than the former.
if i started to list examples this post would be too long.
Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
#3
Yes there are lots of concerned individuals doing a great job here in Dover, contributing as volunteers across the board which is great, but I think there was some report in the past few days that said since times got tougher recently our hearts have got harder..they were talking in general terms and reflecting on the situation across the UK.
I suppose with times getting tougher and money getting shorter its very difficult to maintain the cheerful nature.
Guest 716- Registered: 9 Jun 2011
- Posts: 4,010
#4
There will always be Volunteers..................................never a ``Big Society``
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
that's right reg. people are people - not robots for governments
their nature decides whether they will be considerate and helpful or not.
Guest 664- Registered: 23 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,039
#6
I think there is a particularly harsh attitude that I have noticed in the rougher end of Dover society, as far as I have had dealings with it.
I would describe it as extreme self-centredness and cynicism combined with an attitude that you should do whatever you can get away and if you complain about being turned over it's a sign of weakness. No-one can expect any emotional support (and that sometimes, sadly, includes children who are dumped on other relatives to look after, not always out of necessity either). In essence it is a form of social anarchy - no rules or scruples at all. The opposite of civilisation.
It seems that you are expected to prop yourself up with booze, fags, junk food, whatever vice gets you through. In some ways it is an extreme manifestation of the musn't grumble, stiff upper lip attitude. Eastenders-on-Sea. It is cold, heartless and repressive but I think some people seem to know no other way.
Like you Howard I could cite examples from personal experience - sounds like your list is longer than mine.
I have to say I have also come across types who appear to be a selfless pillars of the community but counterbalance it with a self centred attitude in their personal life. Not to say everyone who does good works is that way though - far from it.
Paul, interesting point about hard times. I am not sure how big a part the economy plays - we are far richer now than 60 years ago but I bet this selfishness was less prevalent then. The cause is ignorance, the remedy education.
Perhaps it is because people perceive that there is more to be gained this way - it is a result of weath rather than poverty.
Reg you are right there will always be volunteers - not having a swipe at genuine people, of which there are many.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#7
i think that paul was referring to a recent report that showed people in jobs were highly critical of those without, a few years back they would have been more sympathetic.
anyway andrew a very recent example of doing something for others was our roger who materialised up in the clarendons and the folkestone road last sunday to see for himself the problem with the bins. most people did not know who he was but were surprised that someone was bothered enough to listen to their concerns.
i have not heard of any other district councillors putting themselves out over this issue.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#8
Thank You Howard.
I'm having another meeting on Friday to what else can be done.
Roger
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#9
Reg, you yourself are part of the big society with your hospital campaign. The real big society will arrive when schoolchildren are taught to ask 'what can I do for society?' rather than being taught what society owes them.
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#10
i don't think it can be taught, it is an instinctive thing.
ideally learned from one's parents by the example they set.
there is also the issue of what satisfaction people get out of helping those who need help.
Guest 664- Registered: 23 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,039
#11
Roger is definitely part of the Big Society!
I have just heard on the news that 26 per cent of the UK population now beilieve that the poor are to blame for their own poverty through stupidity or laziness - up from 15 per cent in the 90s.
That's 26 per cent of the population who would change their minds rapidly if it happened to them.
It reinforces the impression that society is growing more selfish and intolerant. Seems like we have a divide between a Big Society and a very Small Society, to coin a phrase.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#12
barry's blog majors on this at the moment, worth a read.
Guest 663- Registered: 20 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,136
#13
Yes Howard re- post7 we councillors up here in Buckland are on the very same issue, we have a small group of very good volunteers up here who care about their community, they have little but give without asking.
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#14
big society
nice in name
but like andrew says in reality its far from working
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS