ABSTRACT
This chapter covers multiple aspects of power and empowerment, beginning with a basic definition: Power is not a value but the force with which we assert our values. Too much power and we oppress others; too little, and we yield moral territory. The goal here is applying only as much power as to resolve issues and challenges without causing harm to innocent others. Journalists, scholars and practitioners address various aspects of power, including media power vs. corporate profit, censorship vs. self-censorship, prior vs. personal restraint, taste vs. free expression, and latent vs. manifest (apparent vs. hidden) messages. A section on empowerment is included to help individuals discover their many power bases. Abuses of power also are cited, including sexual harassment. Compassion and related concepts are associated with power, namely, forgiveness, sympathy and empathy. Those, too, are explored with photographs that capture telling moments, including the famous picture “Final Moments” by Therese Frare. Personal journal exercises spark awareness of your power bases and how you use them. The communal exercise shows how much power a group can harness collectively in applying their bases to team projects or political goals.
