The world is evolving so quickly. Some aspects are terribly wrong but how do we draw the line? Who can define or direct it? I guess that modern technology has a lot to answer for; television and information technology have played a significant role in creating a world without borders.
Capitalism has influenced the changes in our way of life but do capitalist philosophies really work for the good our communities? Could it be that this is simply a quick but unstable way to make a fortune that will lead to disaster later on. We found out the hard way that communism doesn't work, are we now going through the pain of finding out that unfettered capitalism doesn't work either?
If we consider the ongoing unrest in some Middle Eastern and African nations, will they really be better off after trying to implement their versions of democracy? What about the European and United States situations where capitalism has created levels of greed which may eventually crash the whole economic system, a system that, as we speak, nobody really knows how to fix.
If we go back only a few years ago to a time when we were kids (yes things have changed that quickly), it was a time when strong culture and simple ways of living were still practiced, weren't' they better off than we are today? Of course today we have better infrastructure, enhanced facilities and maybe more money to spend but the world has become so competitive these days and, as a result, has significantly increased feelings of insecurity and anxiety, is this compatible with making healthy communities?
But how we can go back? What could give us the means to turn back the and clock? I don't know about you but in my view there is a simple answer; culture! I think the most precious gift that previous generations gave us was their simple way of life; respect for each other, assistance to their neighbors, humility, politeness and many more simple ways to that human beings interact with each other.
A few months ago, I was talking to some friends about how most Asians behave in the office and we got into a simple debate; "most Asians are too polite", "they never get angry" and "they are too nice" but what is wrong with these qualities? Why should Asians change? Currently three Asian nations have the highest levels of economic growth in the world in spite of their politeness.
In fact, the most significant aspect of Asian nations that continues to attract so many visitors is their respect for their own cultures and the following of tradition. Don't you love to see Balinese people practising their culture and holding their ceremonies. Or going to Bangkok and being welcomed in that very polite way that Thai people were to greet you with a high five when you arrive at Bangkok Airport, would you still go to Thailand? I don't think I would.
If you go to some Asian nations, you will find that some people have been exercising their right of freedom of speech in a very "western" way and, trust me, it doesn't look very nice, in fact it got me thinking about why they act with so little respect of maybe they don't know that the responsibility of supporting freedom of speech is much greater than being silent. All these rights, such as human rights and freedom of speech should be implemented according to the prevailing culture and the condition of each community.
Indonesia need to remain Indonesian, Thai should stay Thai, French should stay French and each of us shouldn't be copying the systems and cultures of others and introducing them into our own communities, it hasn't worked in the past and it never will work!
The most advanced social systems in today's world should not and could not replace the power of respecting our own cultures and simple traditions. If we introduce other systems to our culture this is the time when our humanity is lost.
Should we change? Am I wrong? Can somebody give me an Answer?
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