Wrote this as an assignment for my American History class, based on this quote by JFK.
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John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech proclaimed these words which echoed throughout the years: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country". Thurston Clarke referred to this speech as “the speech that changed America”. Indeed, in many ways it has become a guiding quote to some Americans, and the power of those words that were spoken remain even till this day. The significance of that quote becomes stronger in the context of modern day government, with more and more people pointing fingers at the government for the problems that the country is facing.
Kennedy’s speech sought to convey a strong message to the American people. Kennedy spoke of a world which is “very different now”; emphasizing that change is of utmost importance in American society and the rest of the world. 51 years later, the world is even more different, but change still remains at the forefront of society’s needs. This change, one that is needed so desperately to bring about a more progressive society, cannot come about as a result of the actions of just one party. The government can provide change or inhibit it, but ultimately it is through the actions of the people in which this change is intended for that positive change can come into fruition.
Kennedy’s speech focuses on an important theme: the call for Americans to become active citizens, to fight not only the wrongs and injustices to freedom taking place throughout the world but to advance the rights experienced within the United States by looking inward and actively pursuing change.
Change is a powerful word. It’s a word that is much easier spoken then carried out. However, when someone takes the first step towards initiating it, it may have the ability to transform a society and empower its people. It’s not an uncommon occurrence to see people criticizing the government for inefficiencies and setbacks, but when the time comes to actually do something about it, hardly anyone steps forward. They wait for someone else to step up. However, the sad truth is this: if we keep waiting for someone to be that change, change will never come. We are the change that we’ve been waiting for.
As an exchange student from Malaysia, I have had the chance to witness for myself how Malaysians consistently put the blame on the Malaysian government for all sorts of problems. From rising gas prices to lack of proper healthcare, to the decreasing quality of our education- all of these problems get attributed to the government’s role in allowing these things to happen. Granted, there are times when the government was not helpful at all in coming up with effective solutions to target these problems. But there are times, and there are a lot of these instances, that people can initiate a positive change at the local level, working upward instead of waiting for the government to take actions. Truly, it is the government’s duty to serve the people, but citizens themselves should also be patriotic and help the government with its efforts in progressing forward.
Technology and modernization have transformed our society into a passive society, one that is “automatic”. From dish washers to automatic doors to elevators, we are trained to wait and be uninvolved, taking the hands-off approach instead of doing things on our own and taking the first step. This is potentially dangerous for a country. A nation that is bystanding is a nation that fails.
Growing up as a child, I often hear people say that the government is being unfair to the Chinese and the Indians in Malaysia, as they do not get special privileges offered to others like scholarships, educational opportunities and the right to buy land and ascend to high ranks in the government. For this reason, many Malaysians leave the country to places like Australia, the UK or the United States in the hopes of a more promising future. If they have the financial means to support their education, most high school leavers tend to look out of the country for a better education. People migrate elsewhere because of better job prospects and a higher standard of living. What they usually say is “My government does not take care of me. Why then should I remain here and contribute my efforts to a country that sees no change?”
It is unrealistic to wait for a government to provide us with all the good things in life. Change can start at a local level. In fact, even just a single person can spark that change, especially if that individual has the expertise and passion to contribute towards a good cause. It has proven to work all around the world. We see inspiring individuals who have taken up initiatives to change their societies- Aung Sang Suu Kyi and her unflagging efforts to free Burma from oppression, Rosa Parks and the historic moment when she refused to give up her seat to make way for a white passenger and sparked the civil rights movement, and Gandhi, who led India to independence and inspired movements of non-violence and freedom across the world. There are people in areas worldwide that have contributed their lives to public service, volunteerism and dedication towards their countries. It may seem like a futile effort by a group of individuals to push for change, but in the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has”.
Change starts within each one of us, and every one of us has the ability to spark that change. It is time to stop being selfish citizens and to unite, asking not what our country can do for us, but what WE can do for our country.
