Obligation

Obligation

"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out because I was not a communist.

Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the labor leaders, and I did not speak out because I was not a labor leader.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak out for me."

--The Reverend Martin Niemöller

"How a person or groups characterize their universe of obligation has significant consequences.

We tend to consider those who are most "like us" as part of "our universe of obligation"- the circle of people and groups for whom we feel responsible, whose rights we seek to protect, and whose injuries call for amends. When those within that circle are threatened, we feel compelled to take action. When those who are beyond it are in danger, we are likely to suggest that they are not our responsibility. We avoid action because their troubles are "none of our business"(1)

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