Civic responsibility is both a personal choice and a societal expectation. While we may have the freedom to choose whether and how we engage in civic duties like voting, volunteering, or participating in community activities, these actions are also encouraged and sometimes required by society to maintain a functioning democracy.
Whether you’re “loud and proud” or “very demure, very mindful” in your civic engagements is also a personal choice. If you’re puzzled by that reference, it’s currently trending on TikTok and was started by creator Jools Lebron, who posted videos showcasing exaggerated makeup looks while humorously claiming they were “very demure” and “very mindful.” Other users have been applying these terms ironically to various everyday actions, often contrasting the meaning of “demure” with bold or flamboyant behavior. I’ve seen lots of people using it in various contexts to humorously compare and contrast situations where they were anything but reserved or modest.
Applying the “Very Demure, Very Mindful” trend to current political climates could involve ironically highlighting how politicians or public figures present themselves as reserved, thoughtful, or modest while engaging in highly publicized or controversial actions. For example, politicians might describe themselves that way while making bold or divisive statements which ultimately just points out the contrast between the intended image and the reality of their actions.
When connecting the phrase to civic responsibilities, it highlights the irony often present in that arena. For example, some might claim to be “very demure, very mindful” when fulfilling civic duties like voting or community service but do so exaggeratedly or performatively. It pokes fun at how some might engage in civic responsibilities more for appearances than genuine concern. This connection emphasizes the importance of authenticity in civic engagement, encouraging people to take these responsibilities seriously, not just for show.
As citizens, we all have a civic responsibility to be active, informed, and engaged members of our communities and society. Most, if not all, understand that engaging in the democratic process by voting in elections, participating in political discussions, and being informed about issues and candidates is our primary responsibility. Second is understanding the structures and functions of government, the rights and responsibilities of citizens, and the importance of civic engagement.
Beyond those, the pillars of civic responsibility also include environmental stewardship, respect for the law, and community involvement. Understanding the structures and functions of government, embracing diversity, and speaking out on social issues are other important contributions we can make. Despite the connection of civic responsibility to the upcoming presidential election, that is not the full story of why I’m writing on this topic.
No, the reason behind the topic of civic responsibility is that last week I reported for jury duty. While my service was short and easy, I fully recognize it as one required by society to maintain a functioning democracy. Jury duty has a long history that dates back to ancient times, with its roots in ancient Greece and Rome. However, the modern concept of jury duty as we know it today began to take shape in medieval England.
The jury system began to develop in England during the reign of King Henry II. Initially, juries were used more for providing information on local matters rather than making legal decisions. The Magna Carta of 1215 established the principle of trial by jury as a right, marking an important step in the development of the jury system. It stated that no free man could be punished except through the lawful judgment of his peers. By the 14th century, the jury system had evolved to resemble the modern system, where a group of citizens was called upon to hear evidence and deliver a verdict in both civil and criminal cases.
This concept of jury duty was carried over to the American colonies, later becoming enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The Sixth Amendment guaranteed the right to a trial by jury in criminal cases, and the Seventh Amendment extended this right to civil cases. The jury system has continued to evolve since its inception, but its fundamental principles of involving ordinary citizens in the administration of justice have remained central to its function.
Another “very demure, very mindful” civic responsibility is wearing a mask when you know that you’ve been knowingly exposed to COVID-19 but have tested negative yourself. Such was the case the day I was to report. Fortunately, the requirement in my county is “one day or one trial” and by early afternoon, all potential jurors were released with a thank you. Like I said, it was short and easy. Also fortunate, I didn’t contract COVID even though a family member had.
As for the outfit I’m sporting in these photos, it’s what I wore when I reported for jury duty except for the blazer. On that day, I had worn the denim jacket that was part of my blogaversary post look and decided to opt for a different choice for this post. And, I didn’t wear my vote pin that day either. All items except for the pants have been shared in previous posts.
On that note, I’ll end this discourse on civil responsibility with a “very demure, very mindful” reminder. Ensure that your voice is heard in the democratic process and VOTE!
Stay well and let’s keep in touch! Subscribe, follow, friend, pin … all options are available. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
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Photo credit: MMPerez
Note: This is an unsponsored post; however, some or all of the links to clothing items are associated with an affiliate program where I earned a few cents for each click.
Now, onto the Fine-Whatever link-up. Contributed by Jean over at Delightful Repast, featured from the last link-up is her Peach Pie With Lattice Crust post. Consider it your civic responsibility to give this recipe a try.
9 Comments
It made me laugh to see the demure/mindful trend applied to politics! We all have a civic responsibility though!
My husband was called to jury duty this year and he was dismissed by the end of the day. It’s been years since I have been called in and I think I never went past the note in the mail. I think with our civic duties and responsibilities, getting informed from different sources, trying to stay away from the overly emotional and fear appeals helps us make better decisions.
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Great post and I agree that wearing a mask after having covid is our civic duty. Love your classic look!
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Good on you for duty jury duty. I was called up twice while still working, and my Boss decided that it’s not possible for me to be relieved from work for it, so they took it upon them to have me removed from duty. Once after I retired, also receive as call for duty but by them due to a hearing deficit was also excused.
Thanks, Rena, for hosting, happy Wednesday
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Although I hated my case I loved doing jury service and found it really interesting. Mine was at the end of Covid so distance was adhered to. Thanks for sharing and hosting the linkup Rena xx
The concept of civic responsibility has taken on a fascinating twist in today’s culture, blending humor with a reminder of the roles we all play in maintaining our democracy.
For those who might be engaging in civic responsibilities with a touch of performativity, this trend nudges us to reflect on whether we’re contributing to society because we believe in its value or simply for the applause. In the end, democracy thrives when participation is genuine and thoughtful, rather than just “very demure” in appearance.
Feel free to check out my blog at (https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/08/health-risks-drinking-alcohol-on-plane.html). I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Serving on a jury is both a privilege and a responsibility. Thanks for reminding us and sharing the history of this often neglected topic.
I do all my civic duties but I have PTSD from jury duty. It wasn’t things that were in a case but a judge who sat there and embarrassed me (kept at it for over an hour) during jury selection for a case. I guess she didn’t like my answer on the questionnaire and I was in the jury box and she kept on asking the question “Can you leave your beliefs outside the courtroom” and I said “Yes” and she kept asking the same question in different ways and this went on and on instead of releasing me. I ended up filing a complaint against her for harassment and found out that she was known for this.
Sorry for rambling. Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
I had jury duty earlier this year and was selected for the jury. It was an interesting day to see our legal system at work. Did we make the right decision? I think we did, given the information we had. You almost always second guess yourself in those situations. I won’t have to serve again for at least two years. I think voting is one of the most important things we can do. Unfortunately, my state has one of the latest primaries in the country, and my vote usually doesn’t really count as the candidate (talking presidential now) has already been chosen by virtue of the earlier primaries. I hadn’t heard of this demure and mindful trend…but I’ve been a little out of touch lately.
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