Arthur Kane, A Life Devoted to Social Justice

“…you've got to get out and be involved. You've got to give. Things don't happen if people don't get involved. It's as simple as that.”

Maddie: Can you tell us more about your roots and young life, and how that inspired your work in spirituality and sustainability?

Art: I am the oldest of eight and lived in various places in the north when I was very young, but mostly in Syracuse, New York. That is where I went to high school, and where the family lived when I was in college. After graduation from Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA, I entered the Jesuits. During my years in the Jesuits, I did studies in various places, including Belgium, where I completed my theology studies. After ordination, I went to Jamaica. I had taught high school there during my course of studies. Upon my return, I became the director of the Social Action Center in Kingston, which was involved with cooperatives and their development. Utilizing a grant, we formed cooperatives among the sugar workers on four large estates, which went very well until the government was pressured by the World Bank to cut funding for social programs. These were known as "structural adjustment programs" that the World Bank and IMF imposed in the 80s on all countries dependent on the organizations to get urgently needed loans. After quite a few years in Jamaica, I turned a page, moved to Florida, and married Pauline, who was from Jamaica. We've lived here in Florida for over 40 years. Here in Florida, I became a Vice President of Norwegian Cruise Lines, back when it was the number one cruise line, and worked in the industry for over ten years. Subsequently, I had my own consulting company for many years. While doing that, I also began teaching part-time at St. Thomas University before eventually becoming full-time. Altogether, I spent 20 years teaching philosophy at the university, also founding and directing the Center for Ethics. 

M: What is the Center for Ethics? 

A: The whole purpose of starting it was to be an outreach service to the community from the university. I served as a participant or consultant on ethics issues with various groups, including chambers of commerce, the school board, and the local county ethics commission. We held workshops on specific ethical issues, such as Ethics and the Law and Ethical Issues in Youth Sports. Although the Center never expanded to the extent planned, it did go on for 20 years. The Center for Ethics was a co-sponsor of the Assisi conferences. 

M: Did you feel that one job was more aligned with what your purpose is? 

A: In my life, I have enjoyed three different careers, working as a priest, cruise line executive, and philosophy professor. I'd say that's a pretty good mix. I can easily think that the cruise business was least important, but that gave me financial footing and provided for my family in a good way. It also put me in touch with a lot of people. Though quite different, each of my roles was very challenging and fulfilling.

M: I think many people have the idea that you have to pick one thing and do it for the rest of your life, but everything you do enriches whatever else you're going to do, making you more well-rounded. 

A: Actually, very few people stay with what they started. The average career, statistically, is only 7 or 8 years today. The nature of jobs changes so often, and you have to change with them. I used to tell my students that they could look back on the 20th century and see the things that happened were just unimaginable at the beginning of the century, such as airplanes or computers. We can't even begin to fathom what will happen in this century. Technology is changing so many things and not all for good. 

M: Can you tell us more about what being a Jesuit means? 

A: The Jesuits are the Society of Jesus, a religious order. It is a very mission-focused organization, which is why I chose Jamaica to work on social or community development programs. I was involved in programs around the Caribbean as well.

M: What called you to do this work? Not every person of faith has a passion for sustainability. 

A: I've always been very conscious of and involved with social justice issues. Besides my work volunteering with the SSGN, I've also been chairman of a Pax Christi group for the past 20 years. Social justice issues of all kinds have always been what I've cared about. I've carried the basic philosophy that you should always give of yourself to help others. That passion probably came from my parents because they were that way. Wherever we lived, my father was deep into community service and fundraising efforts, and my mother had eight children! So she served in another way. 

M: Since you have worked in social justice for so long, what do you think is important for people to know, moving forward? What would you tell someone who wants to commit their life to social justice work? 

A: Look at it from the standpoint of the church for a moment. Many people attend church, and it's something they do, not something they are involved in. In particular, they aren't involved in actions on justice issues. I've given talks on justice issues, trying to get people to think outside just coming to church. There's more to it, and you've got to be involved. Things don't happen if members don't get involved

M: And you've been very involved, your whole life. It's inspiring. I think that's so important, and it's given to you, too. 

A: Keeping going pays off. One of my biggest concerns, particularly looking at my children and grandchildren, is that the years coming down the road will be serious and heavy. It's not a basic idea, but basically, it comes to this: Every great nation in history has eventually lost its prominence, and I fear that our greatness will not last forever. What bothers me most is that people in places of influence do not recognize that their actions are tearing us apart. It's very sad. Looking at sustainability from the standpoint of the country, we've got big challenges. Sustainability of the earth and our role as leaders requires an effort, from the national level, all the way down to the local level, beginning with seemingly small things like recycling. Educating people about their responsibilities empowers them. I'm pressing the local city administration to reeducate the citizens on proper practices for how to recycle. The current system is not working and contributes to serious environmental problems.