Big Think

Marcus Berglund on February 13, 2008, 4:25 AM

I think this raises an interesting question. Many problems arise from cultural differences which cause political friction. It is natural for a group to strive for individuality because it is how we survive; diversity. And diversity is wonderful, it is what makes the world so interesting but the problem arises when we choose to isolate ourselves. When we choose to think our version is the only correct one. When we get so entrenched in our own beliefs that we cant see or don't want to see the beliefs of others. So I think we must always be ready to take a step back and try to see the whole picture, and to strive for the success the whole

Marcus Berglund on February 13, 2008, 9:25 AM

I think this raises an interesting question. Many problems arise from cultural differences which cause political friction. It is natural for a group to strive for individuality because it is how we survive; diversity. And diversity is wonderful, it is what makes the world so interesting but the problem arises when we choose to isolate ourselves. When we choose to think our version is the only correct one. When we get so entrenched in our own beliefs that we cant see or don’t want to see the beliefs of others. So I think we must always be ready to take a step back and try to see the whole picture, and to strive for the success the whole

Luke Allen on June 1, 2008, 8:50 AM

I think what he is saying is summed up with Dr. Martin Luther King's statement: "An injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere."

Jacoline Loewen on June 1, 2008, 10:52 AM

America's most important place in the world is as a role model – to lead how to live as a good society.
It's a good question – if America has clear demographic problems, are we allowed to look at why this is happening?
Personally, I believe a child's first 5 years of life explains root causes for each groups' economic outcome.
How does that child learn to deal with conflict, disappointment and decide how to spend their time and how to see others? Pretty much by school, a child's behaviours and priorities are established. The pattern of these 5 years sets the future of the community.
If you agree with the above, then you may see that the prime influence on that child is the psychological happiness of the mother.A society or group could ask how are the mothers of their community supported? Are they supported by other women, the government or by the father of that child? Which of these stakeholders is the most important for the future success of that child?
If America studies their inmates, can they give profiles of those most likely to fail economically and end up in jail? Would this data help understand other failed nations?

Luke Allen on June 1, 2008, 12:50 PM

I think what he is saying is summed up with Dr. Martin Luther King’s statement: “An injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Jacoline Loewen on June 1, 2008, 2:52 PM

America’s most important place in the world is as a role model – to lead how to live as a good society.
It’s a good question – if America has clear demographic problems, are we allowed to look at why this is happening?
Personally, I believe a child’s first 5 years of life explains root causes for each groups’ economic outcome.
How does that child learn to deal with conflict, disappointment and decide how to spend their time and how to see others? Pretty much by school, a child’s behaviours and priorities are established. The pattern of these 5 years sets the future of the community.
If you agree with the above, then you may see that the prime influence on that child is the psychological happiness of the mother.A society or group could ask how are the mothers of their community supported? Are they supported by other women, the government or by the father of that child? Which of these stakeholders is the most important for the future success of that child?
If America studies their inmates, can they give profiles of those most likely to fail economically and end up in jail? Would this data help understand other failed nations?