Bayertz (56) defines solidarity as the rate and degree of integration that a group or society shows to neighbors and friends. Solidarity refers to the tie that binds human beings to each other. Solidarity varies from each society, in that, complex societies have different theories that contribute to the cause of social solidarity whereas in ordinary society has bases that revolve around shared values and kinship. Fletcher and Gapasin (123) emphasizes that solidarity brings integration and cohesion to societies as individuals in the society will assist each other in different situations. Bayertz (67) asserts that when society lives in solidarity they will overcome all hurdles so that they achieve their goals and mission.
We experience social solidarity and justice in every day’s life. Fletcher and Gapasin (113) confirm that everyone has roles to play in society. Therefore, everyone in the society has to play his or her role to touch the lives of other people in the society. We should not expect payment or equal treatment when we do well to other people. Bayertz (102) confirms that we need to help each other as brothers and sisters because we all need each other in the society. Each person in the society must stand together and assist each other in hardships. Fletcher and Gapasin (125) emphasize that solidarity cannot exist without neighbors, friends and the entire society coming together as one unit to help each other and overcome every situation. A group helping a person provides more ideas and resources than when the person in need suffers alone.
I have had a personal experience on solidarity and justice, making me a living witness to justice and solidarity. I have known the power of solidarity. How it helps a person achieve their missions and goals and the friendship that we all need. According to Fletcher and Gapasin (111), solidarity helps the society achieve whatever they need in the society. Solidarity is a force enabling individuals achieve their aims. In my opinion, I view solidarity as the highest ethical and moral force ever to exist for it helps the entire society. Bayertz (90) confirms that solidarity is not mean, and it assists all persons in the society.
My life experience of solidarity made me realize that a human community cannot exist without basic rules of solidarity. The basic rule of solidarity is patience and understands each other in the society. Fletcher and Gapasin emphasize that individuals in a society must work together, have patience with each other and understand one another (102). When we understand the needs of brothers and sisters, we will assist them better than when we do not understand them and be in their own shoes. Patience and understanding is the golden rule that solidarity builds it foundation.
Bayertz asserts that experience is always the best teacher and most people realize the importance of a force when they experience the force (100). Many people in a society go on with their lives not concerned with the well-being of other members of the society. Every member of the society needs each other to support one another to achieve goals. Fletcher and Gapasin confirm that people in the society have different hardships that some members of the society can assist to solve (110). Therefore, when the able members assist the member in need, it shows how solidarity exists to overcome obstacles. I am fortunate to have lived and experienced the fruit of solidarity. The situation was frightening and difficult at the time; fortunately, I experienced the strong force of solidarity.
I got involved in a car accident some few years ago. I was driving when I accidentally hit an oncoming car. I was the one on the wrong, and I ought to repair all the two cars, mine and the other car that I hit. This caught me off guarded in that I had no sufficient finance to repair the two cars then. This made me restless for I did not know which next actions to take concerning the matter. The owner of the other car pressurized me to make his car and my car too needed repair. According to Bayertz (87), situations make people think on best actions that they need to take in order to help them overcome the situations.
All I thought of was my friend. He was the only person I thought of that would assist me. I called him and explained to him of the events and my situation of being in a financial crisis. To my expectations, he promised to bring me the money over to my house after an hour. Fletcher and Gapasin (126) assert that a true friendship assists to overcome all odds. I knew that my dear friend was going to help me in my financial situation. I patiently waited for an hour after which I excitedly called him to know where he was because he had not yet arrived as agreed. He did not respond to my calls when I called him. My calls went unanswered for quite some time. My patience was running out, as he was my only hope. Fletcher and Bayertz emphasizes that, despite the agony that anxiety brings, we must always try to be patience with friends and ourselves.
I wandered why he told me that he would bring me the money yet now he was not answering my phone. I was angry thinking that my friend lied to me. I thought that he would tell he would not assist me, instead of lying to me. He was not answering my phone call as we agreed. This stressed me up as I did not know which action to take. Bayertz (45) emphasizes that, we should be relaxed during crisis. I made up my mind and knew I would scold him for the embarrassment he had caused me.
After a while, I heard a knock on the door. It was my friend! He had all the money I had asked him. I was so happy to see him, and my eyes glowed when he handed me the money. He immediately explained to me why he was late and why he did not answer my phone call. He told me that when I called him, he did not have the whole amount of the money I asked. He had to sell his phone at the mall to get the entire amount. His action touched me profoundly, and I knew I had a brilliant friend who went a mile further to sacrifice his phone for me. Bayertz emphasizes on how true friendship and assist overcome obstacles (114).
This experience taught me the true meaning of how friendship brings solidarity. I knew that solidarity overcomes obstacle. Fletcher and Gapasin (134) emphasizes that when individuals come together in a course to do good, they achieve the best results that promote unity and friendship. This life experience has taught me the value of patience and understanding. It has taught me that we achieve greater goals when we unite to achieve a goal in life. Bayertz (67) explains how friendship, patience and understanding work as one force for the benefit of all members of the society. I have no doubt that solidarity is the basic principle for success in a society.
Works Cited
Bayertz, Kennedy. Solidarity. New York: Springer, 2002, print.
Fletcher, Bill and Fernando Gapasin. Solidarity Divided: The Crisis in Organized Labor and a
New Path toward Social Justice. California: University of California Press, 2009, print.
