Mutual Aid, Erasing the “Other”

Sometimes in our culture simple concepts or words are so important to social justice and change that they begin to conjure images that transcend their simple and direct meaning. The term “mutual-aid” is a great example. Those that follow social justice issues are awash in very emotional images of the powerful and successful application of this principle.

From the Occupy Sandy response to the incredible strides made in some of our more progressive cities this simple concept has become a standard bearer of liberal action.

In some ways these “defining moments” in the evolution of meaning obscure the simple insight that is the foundation of the mutual-aid ideal. Namely, the embracing of the idea that there is no “other” among humanity; that what happens to a single human being happens to all of us.  Those who embrace this ethic see everyone as part of the whole. Gone are the divisions of politics, race, religion, class and gender.

This simple insight may be the most powerful emerging ethic of our time. The idea that in our shared humanity we have an obligation to act locally in support of those facing crisis, calls to something deep inside us that has been varnished over by decades of consumerism, patriarchy and the unbridled pursuit of wealth.

Within our community we have spent many decades differentiating ourselves from the dominant religious culture. While this process has enabled us to achieve much in terms of a positive cultural identity for Pagans, it has also encouraged us to see ourselves as a sub culture that stands as separate and independent of our local communities.

Today, I would like to challenge our community to join in getting to know individuals next door, down the street and around town. Lets embrace the idea that those you have the greatest obligation to assist in times of struggle are not your coreligionists, but those who live next to you.  It is in recognizing our “sameness” and embracing mutual-aid as an organic home grown principle that we have the best chance to move forward in manifesting a world that will honor diversity and provide for the needs of our communities.