The Power of Remaining Still

"…there is an important difference between the two: in the one case, A openly participates; in the other, he participates only in the sense that he works to sustain those values and rules of procedure that help him keep certain issues out of the public domain."

The authors introduced us to the two faces of power. The first is represented when someone openly participates in the making of a decision. The second face we learn is much more allusive. The Pluralist successfully uncovered the first of the two faces but their flawed methodology prevented them from uncovering the second face of power. The authors understood the importance of clarifying the difference between the two faces because they realized that pluralist were unsuccessful at making such vital distinction, hindering their capability of discovering the additional face. The second face of power is represented when someone indirectly participates in keeping certain issues out of public domain and out of discussion. The second face of power often goes undetected because when maneuvered most successfully the action, or lack of action in these such cases, should not be linked to decisions arrived on those certain issues. While the first face of power requires action the second face is often donned by someone who tactically chooses inactivity in effort to further their agenda.

Pluralist believe that power is defined by participation in decision-making. This quote clarifies why this definition is only partially correct. We realize that power is not something that can be measured strictly through physical entities, as had been done by pluralist. We must take into account a person's decision to remain inactive, as this decision can be as influential to the final decision as any action that can be seen or heard.  Whether we realize it or not, moments we choose not to act are often as influential to the decision making process as moments we choose to express our opinions or thoughts through words or actions. The choice to remain inactive often pushes a topic away from discussion and this in itself in a result or decision made.