Finding an authentic voice is a milestone of becoming an adult. It is when we begin to speak for ourselves as part of the human tradition. It is a voice to be heard and valued. It is no longer a voice that repeats what others have said. It is unique-not the voice of parents, or friends, or mentors. It is a voice that does not just repeat tenets of some philosophy, or ideology or religion. It is a voice that truly reflects the human significance of life experiences, perspectives and insights.
This is not a voice of whim or self-indulgence. It is a voice that speaks of what is good and important for human growth and survival.
This voice is very empowering to the individual. It is inspiring and insistent.
There are times when we become so comfortable or distracted that we forget about the importance of that voice. There are times when we are told to turn over the direction of our lives to others who say they represent authority and expertise.
Then, when the spell of their authority is broken by the clear realities of life, we have to scramble to find our adult voice and to learn to use it again. We may have forgotten how fulfilling and empowering it is to express what we know of life.
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We are in one of those times, and ordinary citizens are beginning to find their voices to insist on a system that values all voices-in other words, democracy.
These voices need to be heard again. These voices are looking for ways to be amplified, so they begin to band together in groups and movements and marches and demonstrations. They insist on being heard.
Those who would ignore those voices do so at their own peril.
Bob Passi
Baxter
