Responsibility

Usually, went things go wrong we say "who's is responsible for this" but rarely ask the same question if something went fine. For example people don't say "who is responsible for saving this child's life?" but simply "who saved that child?" as if responsibility has strictly negative connotation. The root of the word "responsibility" is "response" I believe. Which means taking both negative and positive consequences. "Karma", which simply means "consequence" is often used in similar manner disregarding that there is also "positive/good Karma".

So, what's your view of "responsibility"? Is it a negative or positive term for you?

Canell said:

Usually, went things go wrong we say "who's is responsible for this" but rarely ask the same question if something went fine. For example people don't say "who is responsible for saving this child's life?" but simply "who saved that child?" as if responsibility has strictly negative connotation. The root of the word "responsibility" is "response" I believe. Which means taking both negative and positive consequences. "Karma", which simply means "consequence" is often used in similar manner disregarding that there is also "positive/good Karma".

So, what's your view of "responsibility"? Is it a negative or positive term for you?

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The etymology dictionary says that the root/original meaning of 'responsible' is 'morally accountable for one's actions'. On reflection, 'morals' historically tend to be a list of 'do nots' rather than 'dos' - for example, of the famous ten, only two are 'dos'; and arguably they are the two which are followed least/considered the least important (honour thy father and mother/keep the Sabbath holy). As such, I would not be suprised if the majority of times 'responsibility' is used, it is for when a 'do not' law is broken and negative consequences are to follow.

That doesn't mean that 'responsible' cannot have positive inferences - but it does mean that it is often used in a negative light.

One exception to this - it is also used in terms of respect. Someone who can voluntarily take responsibility is often someone to be admired, though that is often abused in debates (the number of pro-life arguments I've seen claiming they are based on 'responsibility' is a large one).

Canell said:

Usually, went things go wrong we say "who's is responsible for this" but rarely ask the same question if something went fine. For example people don't say "who is responsible for saving this child's life?" but simply "who saved that child?" as if responsibility has strictly negative connotation. The root of the word "responsibility" is "response" I believe. Which means taking both negative and positive consequences. "Karma", which simply means "consequence" is often used in similar manner disregarding that there is also "positive/good Karma".

So, what's your view of "responsibility"? Is it a negative or positive term for you?

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Lol, good point. I usually tend to use it in the negative, and hadn't really thought about it. I guess it's because my default position is that taking responsibility is the adult thing to do. Thanks for that eye-opener.

To me, "taking responsibility" means owning up to something that went wrong. Who is taking responsibility for Benghazi, for that deficit?

"Being responsible" means doing what has to be done despite selfish desires. It means not taking that drink when you have to drive home, keeping a job you don't like because you have a family to support, getting up to take care of the baby so your spouse can sleep, that is being responsible.

lizzie said:

Lol, good point. I usually tend to use it in the negative, and hadn't really thought about it. I guess it's because my default position is that taking responsibility is the adult thing to do. Thanks for that eye-opener.

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Thanks, lizzie. As to the eye-opener, we'll see about that.

For the people that look at responsibility in the OPs meaning as negative I opine:

Fix the problem, not the blame.


To me, responsibility is taking on another or bigger role in your life. When you take responsibility for something you commit yourself to doing the best you can to carry out whatever role it is you're taking on. It has nothing to do with negative or positive - unless your worldview assumes another or larger role is somehow positive, which I would disagree with. Some people can handle more roles, others can't. Some need change, others would prefer to stay where they are. None of it is positive or negative in my view.

Responsibility in the form I've heard it used means to be reliable towards obligations. Now accountability is more often used as being held liable for your words or actions. Every action will get you a reaction be it positive or negative.

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