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Traditionally, A.A. members have always taken care to
preserve their anonymity at the "public" level: press,
radio, television, and films.
In
the early days of A.A., when more stigma was attached to
the term "alcoholic" than is the case today, this
reluctance to be identified - and publicized - was easy
to understand.
As
the Fellowship of A.A. grew, the positive values of
anonymity soon became apparent.
First, we know from experience that many problem
drinkers might hesitate to turn to A.A. for help if they
thought their problem might be discussed publicly, even
inadvertently, by others. Newcomers should be able to
seek help with complete assurance that their identities
will not be disclosed to anyone outside the Fellowship.
Then,
too, we believe that the concept of personal anonymity
has a spiritual significance for us - that it
discourages the drives for personal recognition, power,
prestige, or profit that have caused difficulties in
some societies. Much of our relative effectiveness in
working with alcoholics might be impaired if we sought
or accepted public recognition.
While
each member of A.A. is free to make his or her own
interpretations of A.A. tradition, no individual is ever
recognized as a spokesperson for the Fellowship locally,
nationally, or internationally. Each member speaks only
for himself or herself.
A.A.
is indebted to all media for their assistance in
strengthening the Tradition of anonymity over the years.
From time to time, the National Office of AA contacts
major media, describing the Tradition and asking for
cooperation in its observance.
An
A.A. member may, for various reasons, "break anonymity"
deliberately at the public level. Since this is a matter
of individual choice and conscience, the Fellowship as a
whole obviously has no control over such deviations from
tradition. It is clear, however, that such individuals
do not have the approval of the overwhelming majority of
members. |
