THE TIES THAT
BIND
Most countries
in the world have (or are about to) overcome one of the worst economic periods
for a lifetime. Here in the UK
But, behind all
this good (?) news is a shadow, in my opinion… In any democratised and
forward-looking country, it is not enough just to have an effectively operating
economy; what is also a prerequisite is a functioning society.
Here, I can see
that the fabric of society is being worn away; there are vast (perhaps
unbridgeable) gaps between those that have and those who do not, and whilst
there have been many governmental programmes to cover this gap it is still
there – and growing. This is the “elephant in the room”; unless we can create a
society that is fairer, we stand to lose all the good that has been built up
over a very long period of time. Looking around, I see the bonds, the links,
the glue of society breaking apart. Fewer people have less time for others,
preferring to keep to themselves and not have much dealings with others – and
this I believe is the route to alienation – of people and spirit. We all have
expectations (often out of touch with reality) but few stop to consider the
other side of the coin – the responsibilities we hold, particularly towards
others and I feel this situation is getting worse, rapidly.
What can be
done? I have been asking myself that question for a long time and part (and I
stress it’s only part) of the answer is to improve interpersonal skills from
the start, and by this I mean from kindergarten onwards. It’s only by tackling
the problem in its early stages that we can eventually find a comprehensive
solution to a growing problem.
Until next time
(and doing my bit to hold the links together),
Peripatetic
Scribe
Excellent, PS. This is something that has concerned us for a long time, and one of our aims is to give our school children the very sense of society that you talk about. Have we been successful? We like to think we have made an impact, so yes - but time will tell.
ReplyDeleteMark NZ
Thanks Mark - from what you have told me about your curriculum, I would think there is a significant chance you are doing all the right things right!!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! And always reminding us of the fundamental issues! The most important thing is not to give up and continue tackling the problem irrespective of the temptations we are faced with on a daily basis. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLucana
Lucana, thank you. Yes, many of my posts appear to address the fundamental issues, but I deeply believe people need to be reminded of them....at the risk of sounding like a "miserable old man"!!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post again. Ample food for thought - and I equally enjoy the comments, especially those from Mark in NZ - seems he at least is trying to make a difference. We in UK need to make similar advances!
ReplyDeleteKeith, London
Keith, thank you for your comments and the fact you too enjoy the comments from readers. I agree that we in UK need to do something rapidly to avert future failings of society.
ReplyDeleteChallenging the status quo is always a hard act, especially when you consider that it is in the interests of politicians and political parties to ensure the fabric of society is weak - it makes people easier to control.
ReplyDeleteBoris, Hannover
Boris, thank you for your comment. I agree it's a tough act but the status quo often needs to be eaten into bit by bit, and that's what I'm aiming to do - perhaps one day it might not be necessary!
ReplyDelete