In my view politicians, the criminal justice system, the medical community, and the psychiatric community has absolutely no business promoting or advocating 12 step programs. Most treatment centers have sure done it. The principle of anonymity is a huge part of the philosophy. AA as an
organization does not promote itself, advertise, or advocate its philosophy. Members do all kinds of things. When 12 step programs became all the rage in Hollywood you would see all kinds of stars advocating. Because of their high profile and the fact they were on TV violated the traditions and they pretty much quit doing it. Members if they stick with the step and traditions should only share their experience strength and hope with others and not be forcing any beliefs on anyone. This is what worked for me......
If anything society has intruded on AA and not the other way around. It is meant for people who voluntarily choose to go.
Quote:
Six—An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
Ten—Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Eleven—Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
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Maybe I am violating the traditions myself by listing them here.
My point is AA seeks to be anonymous and function within itself and its members, who voluntarily choose to join and adopt the philosophy. It is not forcing its philosophy on society, quite the opposite. It may bring a meeting into a jail but people are supposed to be free to attend the meeting or not. They have been going to jails and prisons for decades. If the jailer forces someone to go that goes against AA philosophy but there is not much they can do about it.