A Guide Dog for the Blind

There is a note that I made for myself a few days ago while writing an article on politics. I wanted to explain “servingism,” a word I occasionally use in writings or during lectures, but in reality, it is a mixed word in Caleb’s style that is not in the dictionary. It is not easy to explain or to describe it with words. So I came up with another, easier word. If my worldview is not communicated even through this word, then it’s because my writing style is very awkward or that my reader’s IQ is not over two digits. Anyways, I’ll begin my explanation.

The guide dogs for the blind, which are often seen in Korea as well as in America, are seen everywhere throughout the world. The creative way for the blind people who cannot see, but need to go out, is to train dogs to recognize the traffic signals and roads and obstacles in advance so that they can guide their blind owners who follow them. A long time ago people used to teach them only the colors of the traffic signals, but since they were color-blind it wasn’t easy. Thus, they taught not only the colors of the signals but also the written words, ‘walk’ or ‘stop.’ Nowadays, dogs can be much more easily taught through the image signs of ‘walking’ and ‘standing.’ The guide dogs not only see things for their master, but they also comply with the order of their owners such as taking out something from the refrigerator or opening the door when a guest comes. Also, though it’s not so often, they protect their masters from roughnecks or villains when necessary.

The Korean word ‘bongsa’ has multiple meanings depending on what Chinese character one uses. For example, it can mean ‘being in a position of public service (奉仕)’, ‘serving one’s master (奉事)’ or ‘serving one’s ancestor (奉祀).’ In addition, it also refers to a blind man in Korean. Due to the multiple meanings of such a word, a person like me who only finished the first grade of middle school in Korea is often confused with its use. Using this confusion for my own benefit, I want to explain the word ‘servingism’ on my own.

Among the ideologies of countries in the world, there is Communism, which is interchangeably used as Socialism, Marxism, Leninism, or Maoism. Also, there is an ideology that keeps it in check, which is Democracy or Capitalism or Free Market. There are neutral countries that belong to neither, but from the perspective of social organizations, they are close to socialism. If I name the representative of these ideologies, they would be Russia, America, and Sweden respectively. If we see closely the system and ideology of each country, its merit is distinctive and each one runs by borrowing from others, in part to compensate for its own weakness. For instance, China and Russia combined free economy with their system. America is bringing in socialism in the name of economic stimulus these days. Conclusively speaking, it means that no ideology in this world is perfect and they all have their shortcomings.

By mixing all the incomplete ideologies with the sudden revelation of creator, all kinds of theocracies were born whether it’s based on Christianity, Islam or Catholicism. But these systems also include some more serious problems.

Then, what kind of system should we follow? In particular, Christians are living not only in America but in Russia and Sweden. I think the answer to this can be found in servant leadership. Whatever system or ideology one is under, if servant leadership is included in it, most of the problems can be solved. In the ‘servingism’ of a capitalistic society, one can make money as much as one wishes and then serve others in need by sharing voluntarily and joyfully. Also in a ‘servingism’ communist system, since one is in the system in which everything is distributed equally by the law, he can make all efforts on his own lest he become lazy and cynical, or indifferent but do his best in humbleness.

The guide dog for the blind takes the role of his eyes, hands, and feet and in some cases, a protector that fights for its master. The guide dog is not limited to one specific breed but includes various kinds such as Labrador, Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky, etc and exemplifies the height of serving. I introduce through dogs the ‘servingism’, that we humans, especially, politicians and leaders should learn from.