"Paradigm Shift" December Blog

Over the years ive lost the idealistic view that history progresses toward a universal goal, that there is a plan for humanity. As a student of history i have known little else but war and competition. It seemed  that peace might flourish in a corner of the world, but eventually plague, war, or disasters push it into chaos (chaos theory). But recently, i have noticed slivers of light across the great chasm of history, maybe even hope. I learned of a civilization in the Indus Valley, one extremly advanced for its time. What was earthshattering is that close examination revealed that of the 1500 sites discovered, hardly any weapons were discovered, and most surprisingly none had any evidence of warfare. If true this would shatter my previous views of humanity. For years i believed that humans could only have peace through fear, and conflict was just in our nature. But to discover that Humans were able to live in peace, does that mean that our history full of war has just been a mistake? Can i still believe that only conflict drives innovation, when this obviously advanced civilization could do so without war? In most of the cities, the largest building was not a political office for a king, or a temple for the priests, but a massive bathhouse for the common people. When i look back to the Existential theory, that men cant change, i just keep thinking back to this peace. Could the existance of this near utopia be humanitys saving grace, that we can change?


Now actually on topic the article raised a very interesting point that although some cultures find a tradition "normal" americans will always see it as proof of their own moral superiority, but every tradition has a very logical explanation. For example, in arab countries woman are forced to where veils and remain secluded from society. This practice is considered backward by western standards, and even i have gripes with the practice (they could be wasting valuable brainpower!). But to those live with the practice this seclusion of woman is not only a way of life,but to them morally important. To them to cover woman is not only a sign of great respect, but to let woman be judged for their character, not for their looks (parallels to feminism anyone?). The awakening showed that american society was just as repressive toward woman, and from an islamic point of view the real scandal is the use of woman as sexual symbols in commerce (bin laden went so far as to cite this as a reason for the 9/11 attacks). From my point of view both sides are completly right, but "right" has always been a relative thing. Only compromise of both cultures can resolve issues, as i have with my own culture. I am a citizen of the world, and to me my nation is anywhere where justice thrives.