Civic Virtue During the Pandemic
By: Sumedha Mahesh
Civic virtue is the idea that each citizen has a role to play, that he/she must uphold for the success of their community. In order to practice civic virtue, it is believed that one must give up their own “selfish” interests and always do what is viewed as best for their country. Civic virtue is an idea that has been around since Ancient Greek times and is actively used in almost all societies. For example, in the United States of America, it is expected of a citizen to vote, perform jury duty, abide by laws, etc. These are all forms of civic virtue that is seen in the present day. But what is the scope of civic virtue? Is it just abiding my laws and doing what the government asks of us, or is it going beyond and doing what’s best for the country, despite government urging?
By definition, civic virtue is a citizen’s responsibility to do what’s best for their country. So by definition, civic virtue should be practiced despite government urging or rules put in place. But is civic virtue supposed to be practiced in America? A look at the constitution will easily answer this question.
The constitution itself outlines certain virtues that all citizens must possess. One such virtue is self restraint. For example, according to the National Constitution Center, “Our constitutional structure itself presumes certain virtues among the people,” White said, identifying self-restraint as one of those virtues. “The point is self-restraint with an eye to something beyond your immediate needs or wants, being able to recalibrate your own behavior in accordance to a higher goal—and in a way that's what republican virtues would require—an ability to get along within the framework of slow, deliberative, conflict-ridden, republican self-government, knowing that you needed to restrain yourself in the process for the sake of the process as a whole.” In other words, each citizen must possess self restraint in order to give up their individual needs and wants and instead, do what’s in the best interest for the country as the whole.
During this pandemic, civic virtue has been a recurring topic. Should individuals practice civic virtue? Is wearing a mask a way of practicing civic virtue? When we look at this issue as a whole and the topic of civic virtue as whole, we can conclude that wearing masks, practicing social distancing, reducing outings, etc. are all ways of practicing civic virtue. But many might wonder should it be required of individuals? Does requiring individuals to follow such restrictive measures constrict them of their freedom? A short answer would be no. Asking an individual to do what’s best for their country and best for other citizens does not take away their own freedom. In fact, these are two very different ideas. Civic virtue, as mentioned multiple times in this article, is the idea that individuals do what’s best for their country. Freedom, on the other hand, in the United States of America, is something that is granted as a right. For example, individuals have the right to practice their religion, exercise their power to voice their opinions, sign petitions, etc. However, when it comes to the safety of others and the country as a whole, freedom does not overpower rules put in place. For example, one does not murder someone and go around saying that it was their freedom and right to do so. Another example would be that an individual does not steal something and say that it was their freedom and right to do so. Just like this, when rules are put in place for the good of the community, one can not use the excuse of freedom and rights to not follow such a rule. When you look at it closely, possessing civic virtue is a rule in America, as it is outlined in the Constitution. Therefore, in a pandemic, wearing a mask, maintaining 6 feet of distance, etc. is civic virtue and is expected and required of all individuals. Freedom and rights cannot be an excuse to not practice civic virtue and follow rules. Wearing a mask does not harm you. Maintaining 6 feet distance does not harm you. A little boredom from not going out does not harm you. Irresponsibly going out and not following rules and not practicing civic virtue has a high chance of either causing harm to you or another individual. Also, don’t forget, irresponsible behavior has harmed our economy during this pandemic. A failing economy has severely harmed our country. It is our responsibility, as citizens, to do all we can to help our country, from its economy to the safety of its people and citizens. And remember, the simple solution to helping our country’s economy and keeping our citizens safe is following rules, wearing a mask, maintaining distancing, etc. Therefore, the next time you go out or think about going out, remember it is your civic responsibility to think of others and do what’s best for your county and community. Wear a mask, maintain 6 feet of distance, practice proper hygiene, and be respectful of your fellow citizens.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civic_virtue
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1057%2F9780230306752_5
https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/blog/civic-virtue-and-why-it-matters