Another Term For Responsible. This List Will Answer, "And Then What?"

"And then what?" That short phrase could be a microcosm of our path to accountability. It begs the question of progression, process, and steps toward an accomplishment. As it is written in a questioning or interrogative form, it could also request an explanation or taken to the extreme, a criticism. Either way, this short question invokes another term for responsible. What's next? Is there a plan? Is there even a goal or aspiration that inspires us to reach higher, work harder, listen better?

The English gurus out there, one of whom sits in our editorial room will tell us this phrase is actually a fractured sentence in the strictest sense. Apologies to all the grammatical experts. You are correct. But we'll use the phrase to guide us through this page that offers up another term for responsible, both desired and loathed. Actually a few words to describe the gift or curse of responsibility, depending on how you might answer, "And then what?"

Another Term for Responsible Compliments of A Landmark Event

August 28th, 1963 gave us another term for responsible. As we wrote in our page about the difference between responsibility and accountability, the former is a derivative of the latter. This fact would become evident on this monumental day in American history and still resonates in our daily lives, decades after the event.

On this day thousands of people descended on Washington DC to peacefully march to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. On this day, in sweltering heat, nearly all in attendance were well-dressed and attentive as speakers voiced their visions for a more equitable nation.

On this day, Dr. Martin Luther King gave a powerful speech as those watching modeled discipline. There would be no storefront windows smashed, no buildings or cars set on fire. Just respectful adults exercising their right to peacefully gather. Another term for responsible is discipline. Discipline to act as adults who follow the law. Discipline to peacefully protest unjust laws as a means to correct those flawed decisions.

Dr. King also gave them a roadmap. "And then what?" What would come from this day? Would they go home and forget everything or would they push forward to a new level, while remaining true, remaining responsible to that discipline and honor the vision?

There was another term for responsible that would come out of this event. History has been kind to the man sitting in the chair of the presidency on this day. History has been kind to his brother, the sitting Attorney General at the time in their perspective of what was happening on August 28th, just blocks from the White House.

The truth is that civil rights was not a big priority at the beginning of their time in office. But it would progress as we use that word as a verb with emphasis on the second syllable, in deference to the English expert in our editorial room. The powerful brothers would progress in their thinking in this vital area. Progress as a verb in moving to a higher level is another term for responsible.

This historic march was part of another term for responsibility. Commitment. Commitment to an ideal of peaceful protest that also led to the Freedom Riders. From both events, we would witness restraint. How many of us could remain composed and committed to the cause of progressing to higher ground when confronted by violence? Composed and committed are other terms for responsible.

We've taken groups of high school students to Washington DC to attend similar peaceful marches over the years. The lessons from August 28th, 1963 are still valid. Another term for responsible is duty. Duty to do what is right because it is right, even when provoked by those who seek to tear down positive movements.

For these high school groups, the question, "And then what?" was understood. They would take the message forward and work tirelessly to help defend and support all innocent living humans. Commitment was another term for responsible that would drive them forward.

Progressing Individually

Another term for responsible is obligation. When we owe a debt we pay it back. Most of the time that brings on an additional burden. Burden is another term for responsibility, as is obligation.

Because of this there will always be people who reject the notion of responsibility. They will never accept personal blame nor admit fault, both of which are other terms for responsibility. "It's not my fault! I'm a victim of my environment! The government should take care of me!"

Similar irresponsible thinking brought about the shadow entities that sought to derail the events of August 28th, 1963, the momentum of the Freedom Riders, the effort to bring about peaceful change and even the individual commitment to accountability for personal decisions.

We understand the sentiment of both quotes just below this block and don't mean to nitpick. But we would suggest that actions are nearly always the byproduct of words and before that, thoughts.

Which gives added significance to the thoughts developed when considering these words about responsibility. We know being responsible is crucial to developing accountable citizens.

Obligation, duty, burden, restraint, commitment, oath, fault, position, compelling, progress as a verb, are all terms that lead to being responsible, either by accepting or developing. All include being honest with the person in the mirror.

We are responsible for our thoughts, our words, and our actions. And then what? If we are able, and most of us are, it is our duty, our oath as citizens to stand in the gap for those who cannot, to defend the defenseless, and progress, (as a verb) to the type of person who will shine the light of accountability in our nation.

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