Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Traditions under threat

> Observing social/religious/political/economic/military turmoil occasionally everywhere in the world and today in too many locations, I can't be optimistic about the prospect of widespread and enduring peace, justice and happiness. Add to that the deterioration of the earth's natural support systems (water, energy, soil, sea life, climate) as never before in history, and the prospect becomes bleaker.
> Every society has organizational, governmental and judicial traditions, these along with wealth and power hierarchies, religious influences, educational institutions, economic possibilities and degrees of regulation and freedom. These characteristics in the US, UK and Europe are reasonably satisfactory for the moment. But all of us eurotypes had cataclysmic episodes in our past and there is no guarantee that our futures will be satisfactory. In fact, many trends are toward less satisfaction. Job security and family stability are declining. Senses of crowding, competition and invisibility are rising. Senses of community and significance are declining. The popular culture grows ever cruder and uglier.   Substance abuse and associated crimes are too prevalent. Conditions for ethnic strife loom in every eurotype country. The deterioration of natural support systems will accelerate as developing populations increase in number and/or prosperity.
> I wonder what traditions and other characteristics will crumble under the weight of crises or will be altered to stave off crises.

No comments: