The reading made stop and think for a while. I think I both agree and disagree with it. On one hand, I absolutely understand why and how people can feel like they are powerless. The problems we face are enormous and numerous. Even just one alone, such as climate change, can feel overwhelming and unsolvable. After all, I’m just one person, who isn’t connected, wealthy, or in a position of power. What can I do to have any impact on such a vast, interconnected, and complicated problem?
The problem with this thinking is it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. If we act like we have no power and can’t solve a problem, then we aren’t going to solve it, validating in our minds that we’re powerless, and continuing the cycle. The people in history that became influential, that fought hard battles, and solved huge problems never started in that position. Even those born into privileged positions had to put in hard work to put themselves in a place where they could combat those issues. And even the most inspiring and intelligent among them wouldn’t have done it if they thought they were powerless. Their belief that they could make a difference helped them get to a place where they could.
I agree that belief that one person can make a difference will eventually get people to a place where they can. However, the key in that is convincing enough people that they can make a difference. This is the only way to solve overwhelming global issues- like for example, climate change.
I agree with your understanding on how one person can and a lot of times probably does feel powerless against enormous problems such as climate change, and right now, the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while one person can’t solve the world’s largest issues, the reading taught me they may be able to help fix the little problems that happen to the people around them on a day to day basis.
I talked about a similar topic and how people are discouraged from initiating change because there is usually not one big thing to do in order to see immediate results. The value of small steps is crucial in initiating change and valuing our position