Though we all have our routines and times where thinking of the struggles of mankind (such as genocide, the plight of refugees, global/local hunger, etc.) might not be prudent, I have found that in my own life, it is the most difficult balance to find. With all of the influential and hardworking people that are out there who strive to make a difference, it can be difficult for one to feel content in the progress they are making in their community as well as their life. Though self-doubt and criticism can be defeating at times, they also cause us to re-evaluate ourselves and grow closer to the person we would like to be.
That being said, it is also important to accept one's own realistic limits. As an example, one might not be able to commit all of the time they would like to helping out at their local homeless shelter or food pantry because they need to work to have money. So as a compromise they volunteer there on the weekends or maybe a few nights during the week. This is even a modest example, because everyone's own circumstances are different. Some people have children they take care of, some people have elderly family members that they are similarly responsible for, and some even need two jobs to make ends meet and any extra free time is used solely for rest.
Still, when trying to come to terms with my own participation in society I feel it is useful to remember an important definition:
Negligence: "failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in like circumstances"
As it can be seen, negligence is not something that harmlessly misplaces blame. Negligence has teeth and that is evident even in the US legal system, (see: Negligent Homicide). And many of us are plenty guilty of this when it comes to the plight of others (see exhibit A: Syria v. Miley Cyrus). Although there is not yet a set in stone definition for something along the lines of "Negligent Human Rights Abuses" or anything of the like, people should still be held to account for their own inaction.
But if that is to be so, then what can be categorized as inaction? As was just made clear, everyone's circumstances are different and thus what they can contribute to the greater good is different. Even though everyone's own time and responsibilities are different there is one way in which we can (and should) all do our part and that is with our voices and our minds.
Information is one of the most powerful forces that shapes our world. Truth, honesty, and empathy lead us toward progressive social change while lies and bigotry will only continue to set us further and further back on the timeline (see exhibit B: North Carolina's new voting laws). Sources of information and how individuals relay that information to one another is something that cannot be done away with based on circumstance. Too many times there are instances where people ignore the downtrodden and even blame them for their own struggles. This sort of meritocracy myth that seems to be floating around the media airwaves is probably the best example.
That all being said, the meaning of this piece is to give empowerment to those people who wish to do away with the system that keeps them from helping those who need it, and do make the other people question themselves. To be complicit in the suffering of others is to be guilty and even if you have nothing, your voice and your actions can be your tools of alleviation.