Citizenship or citizenry may appear to be just other words in the dictionary considering that most people do not give much thought to these concepts. Being born into a particular territory or nation makes one belong to the particular nation without being required to take additional steps. At times individuals move to other nations and acquire citizenship through legislation or marriage. In this respect, citizenship seems as belonging to a country as a permanent or a temporary resident depending on citizenry provisions. While this perception appears convincing, it is not sufficient since citizenship is more than belonging to a country. Citizenship is about a total ownership of one’s national values, which pushes one to demonstrate patriotism, duty, and devotion. Social studies teacher have a responsibility of inculcating certain essential skills and attributes of citizenship into their students. A comparison of four-question interviews done with two students aims to establish if they understand the nature and meaning of good citizenship.
Who is a Good Citizen?
There are many opinions out there regarding what constitutes or the attributes and skills of a good citizen. A good citizen may be that individual who fulfills their roles or contributes to the wellbeing of the community, state, or nation. An interview with Jennifer and Janice established that each of the two students had different perceptions regarding who a good citizen is. Jennifer asserted that a good citizen is the one who realizes that he or she is part of the nation and has political and legal rights and obligations. If one is to be a good citizen then he or she must contribute towards building the nation to be in a position to reap the benefits of those efforts. Janice felt that being a good citizen is the one who demonstrates patriotism by owning up the country’s history, obeying the laws and being attached to the national values. This person can defend his or her country even when others are keen on criticizing the nation on whatsoever grounds. These definitions as to who a good citizen is points to the fact that good citizens are active rather than passive individuals who work towards improving their nation. They are not just mere passengers but rather they are drivers of change as well as preservers of their countries’ heritage and pride.
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What are the Basic Characteristics of a Good Citizen?
Good citizens are known by a set of characteristics that set them apart from other individuals who cannot be said to espouse good citizenship. During the interview, the two students confirmed these assertion as each of the student provided different but related characteristics. Jennifer noted that a good citizen must be patriotic, productive, possess moral courage, integrity, and participate in the political life. The student noted that patriotism is of significant importance as it is about showing devotion and having an attachment to the national values and philosophy. Good citizens are productive in that they use their skills abilities and talents to enhance the political, social, cultural, and economic growth of their nations. In the same way, good citizens are able to stand up for what they consider to be wrong and defend the people who cannot defend themselves. Jennifer added that good citizens are morally upright considering that they uphold the rule of law and that they participate in the electoral process to enhance effective governance.
An interview with Janice provided more insight into the characteristics of a good citizen who should be patriotic, vigilant, well informed, and active and lover of justice. Janice noted that being vigilant means that an individual must be civic-minded to safeguard the existing constitutional freedoms and rights. Such a citizen keeps the government in check to ensure that it is meeting its obligations and acting within its sphere and jurisdiction. If this is to happen, an individual ought to be well informed on the issue facing ones nation to come up with viable solutions. Janice added that a good citizen is an active member of the community who participates in the social life as well as helps to improve their communities. In summation, Janice established that a good citizen must be a lover of justice who promotes fairness for all. These characteristics though different appear related as they establish that good citizens are obligated to improve the local and national values.
How do we Know if a Person is a Good Citizen or not?
It is possible to know whether a person is a good citizen or not by considering a person’s actions and words. In an interview with Jenifer and Janice confirmed this assertion since they established that good citizens are outstanding and easy to pick. Jennifer asserted that the best way of knowing if a good citizen is through focusing on their actions and words. This analysis would be easy in this era of digital communication, which has allowed for establishment of social media platforms. One needs to look at individuals social media page pages to know if their words help to build or break the nation. Individuals who champion for better governance without advocating for violence are indicative of good citizens. These individuals chose their words carefully to advance positive causes that can change their countries for the better. Janice noted that the best way to know if a person is a good citizen is by focusing on their contribution in their local communities. Individuals who are visible at the grassroots level and who transform their communities are considered good citizens. This student noted that words are not an enough measure as one could appear active on social media but is not involved at the community level. These answers indicate that the determination of whether one is a good citizen or not depends on ones actions and words and how they impact on the community or nation.
Why is it Important to be a Good Citizen?
Being a good citizen is important not only to the country but also to the individuals demonstrating it. An interview with Jenifer and Janice established that good citizenship is an important feature of national values as it promotes cohesion and development. Jennifer noted that good citizenship promotes democracy as individuals put the political leaders to task and demands effective public service. In line with this benefit, good citizens are capable of aligning to constitutional obligations, which in turn promote cohesion, justice and prosperity. On her part, Janice asserted that being a good citizen translates to the upholding of law, which paves the way for economic, political, and social growth. Good citizens are responsible individuals who are keen on ensuring that they make positive contributions to improve their nations’ wellbeing.
Reflection on the Interviews on Good Citizenship
The interviews are insightful in that they offer varied perspectives on what constitutes good citizenship and its role in promoting democracy. Jenifer and Janice have wonderful ideas on the meaning, significance, and scope of good citizenship, which I agree with completely. I believe that good citizenship is about being present and conscious of what is going on in one’s community and nation. It is not enough to be a member of a nation as one need to be active and productive. Good citizenship is about being visible and being aligned with the national philosophy and values as one is a by-product of those values. I believe that the digital age can help in determining is one is a good citizenship based on their actions and words. Individuals who promote cohesion, patriotism, community building, accountability, and justice are good citizens. It is my hope that individuals will realize that they need to harness their skills and capabilities to create and enhance national consciousness and values.
