Generation G – A Group that Will Change the World

“Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts,” Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

Years ago, the anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about clay pots, tools for hunting, grinding stones, or religious artifacts.

Instead, Mead said that the first evidence of civilization was a 15,000-year-old fractured femur, that had been allowed to heal, found in an archaeological site. The femur is the longest bone in the body and when broken, it takes 6 weeks to heal.

In the animal kingdom, if a leg is broken, the animal dies. He cannot run from danger or find food or water. You become easy prey for predators.

A broken femur that has healed is evidence that another person has taken time to stay with the fallen, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended them through recovery. A healed femur indicates that someone has helped a fellow human, rather than abandoning them to save their own life.

This is what the Down syndrome community does every day. We help each other through diversity, providing what is needed to help to support one another, rather than turning away and abandoning each other. We are a small group, but we will change the world.

#generationg #acceptance #kindness #generosity

Submitted by:

Robin Lea Amos

GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix

Executive Director