h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Following the success of the discussion at the Atelier during the US presidential elections and due to overwhelming Salonista support it has been muted that we carry on a discussion on Global politics. After all we are a Global community.

So welcome to the first meeting of the Atelier Think Tank for Global Politics. The idea has been muted that we could take a major issue of the day and come up with the intention of possibly writing Guide entries on these topics giving the various solutions. Maybe even some world leader might even take us up on our ideas.

Normal Rules of discussion at the Atelier apply see the home page for details if you are new to the Atelier.

As this introduction was being written while discussion was fast moving on the second Presidential thread so forgive me if I’ve missed out on a key idea.

So I guess we need a first topic really.

How about what the new faces of the administration will be? Will Powell remain? Will Rice be the first female secretary of defense? Ashcroft will almost certainly go, but what will his successor do? Make things more oppressive? Will his successor be able to shake up the FBI?

Hands Dave a First-to-Forum mug decorated in a world map.

That is the whole world adn not just the USA Mr President.

I'm sure those questions will persist for some time, and I look forward to discussing them.

I have another idea for a global theme which was suggested to me by the last post I read over there.

How can we change or turn back fundamentalism? I see this as a global problem, not specific to Christianity, not specific to religion, and I see it as antithetical to science, progressive thinking and to the rights of such minorities as homosexuals, immigrants, blacks, and women.

*peeks into the studio and admires the bank of computers and communication equipment*

Is it even possible to do that? Fundamentalists in my experience listen to no reason, and the only way I am able to deal with it is to ignore them...

Good idea Lil. Maybe we can compare fundamentalism to Nazism/Fascism/Nationalism of yesteryear, and gain some insight into the problem, and it's correction. Is there a non-violent way to do it?

I think how to turn back Fundamentalism is a great idea. Lets go with that. We can discuss the adminstration on the old Presidential thread to avoid conflict of ideas.

Now I'm off to do some politicing IRL. Discussion our approach to a proposed conjestion charge scheme in Edinburgh.

See you tomorrow.

I think that fundamentalism is a symptom of resistance to change, which can be argued is part of human nature. Many people hate change regardless of the possible benefits.

So, how do you get people to keep an open mind?

Fundamentalism seems to be an emotion-based, reactive way of viewing the world and its problems. There would have to be some kind of training in emotional self-awareness as part of people's education, and right away you have a problem with fundamentalism's anti-gnostic tendencies.

According to reports I've checked, Arafat is still alive, but barely. Add that to the fact that coalition forces intend to pull out of Iraq, possibly as a result of the election, and the fact that the US government is fiscally strapped and one can almost be pleased that this mess belongs to the party that created it.

Excellent idea, Lil. The rise of fundamentalism all over the world, be it Islamic or Christian, is threatening human rights and democratic governments. It is far more insidious than Communism or Fascism. How do modern governments and NGOs fight fundamentalism without alienating goodhearted spiritual people? It is surely in the latter's best interest to stamp out irrational and dangerous elements in their faith. The top issue for Bush voters, according to exit polls, was "values". How do thoughtful people take a discussion of values away from extremists who like to focus on God, guns and gays and divide the electorate in the United States? How do we promote decent values that respect civil and human rights and at the same time comfort those who are concerned with more, shall we say, traditional cultural beliefs?

That's about the only thing that's good about it...

With an axe? Lol.

First off, you have to get thier mind open. There are various ways of doing this. I think the best way is through discussion. Start with what they believe and slowly introduce other thoughts.

People generally dislike uncertainty - prefer things to be black and white rather than grey. Unfortunately, most of the issues that come up in governing people are grey areas requiring compromise. With fundamentalism, though, there is a clear authority for what is right and wrong. I think that certainty is where its appeal lies. There are no tough decisions about compromises to make.

Another aspect is that humans are social creatures, feeling most comfortable in groups. So, if there is a movement in some direction, they are easily carried along with the group. The nazis were experts at exploiting this, plus they provided a very strong leader who could serve as the ultimate authority for write and wrong.

Jeez, FG, that's a lot of questions!

Witty has a good point, that one reason for fundamentalist emotions is fear of change. Change is accelerating, especially thanks to the globalization of communication. People see changes that they feel threatened by because they aren't educated to understand them.

It's not so much a fear of change as a fear of uncertainty. Fundamentalism tells them the right way to act in any situation. They don't have to decide for themselves. And there's no questioning the authority, because who can question God?

So, I guess how you counter it, is to teach them critical thinking.

Easy.

Easier said than done, GL! After a little bit of experience tutoring, I am continually amazed at how difficult it is to open someone's mind short of a crowbar!

We wish that was easy GL. People resist change, they also resist the agents of change i.e. Us.

[SG V] I have neither time nor energy to throw myself into this right now - my brain is in a state somewhere near jellyfish after today's w**k and before tomorrows.

But I'd very much like to put it on the record that the think tank is a startling bright idea. And it makes me very happy and indeed proud to be a part of the Salonistas!

* off to go to the theatre*

I think the first step is promoting higher and better education, especially for women, across the globe. Study after study shows that fundamentalism does not appeal to educated societies as a whole--just look at the statistic mentioned in the presidental discussion about Kerry capturing 85% of the vote from Americans with a college education or greater. Education also leads to lower birth rates, which is always a plus.