The Christmas 2020 issue of Global Voice magazine and a message from Prof. Adrian Zicari, Executive Director of the Council on Business & Society
While I write these lines, the Covid lockdown continues in many countries, and nobody knows how this situation will evolve in the coming weeks. In many places, people will remain in their homes, most public activities will be cancelled and many families will not be able to meet. All indicates that we will live a very unusual Christmas.
In this grim context, a bit of hope would be much welcome. Perhaps viewing a classic Christmas film again may help. My choice would go to “It’s a wonderful life” (Frank Capra, 1946), with James Stewart and Donna Reed. Beyond its artistic qualities (i.e. five Academy awards, inclusion in the list of “100 best American films ever made”), this film has been for many years one of the most popular Christmas films, with its timeless message of optimism and generosity.
Curiously, Mary and George, the heroes in this film, are neither soldiers nor detectives, but entrepreneurs. They have a vision for their company, a Building and Loan firm in a small town in the US. After saving their company from bankruptcy, Mary and George develop an innovative housing development scheme, thus providing a concrete help to people in need. A clear social purpose, much in line with our vision at the CoBS!
Without spoiling the fun of watching, I can tell you that our heroes face many difficulties throughout the movie. Eventually, their project is saved by the townspeople, rallied by Billy, George’s brother. As we may see, an example of a strong community that supports a good company. And much before the word “stakeholder” existed.
It is my wish that all our efforts at the CoBS may somehow inspire our students, and that many of them become the Marys and the Georges of the next generation. Merry Christmas!
Prof. Adrian Zicari, Executive Director, Council on Business & Society
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