It is not surprising that most people in mature democracies assume that “everything is fine.” Few people are trained or care to interpret the global scenes that unfold before them every day on global news networks in terms of how it could affect their personal life. “Everything is fine” is assumed in the almost invisible slow creep of social change by most people who are easily distracted by the immediate events in their personal life. Yet in only four decades the macro-scale of social change in the United States has been immense. Its only evidence is how uncomfortable citizens feel with “the way things are” in Washington, D.C., and in other national parliaments.
Over time, the creep of social change is measurable. Sociologists and economists both agree that a vibrant and prosperous middle class of merchants and business owners is the key to a vibrant and prosperous society. Yet, that middle class has been decimated by big corporate “big box” stores that can afford to grow even on a very small margin of profitability. Over time, they have gained a greater market share at the expense of middle class store owners. Where are the jobs that used to train vast numbers of high school and college students the fundamental skills of working during the summer? They have been wiped out, just as the middle class has been wiped out. How does this relate to the “Middle East Meltdown?” Look closely at the news and see who is filling the ranks of the terrorist groups: Young men without employment, without a wife and family structure that gives purpose and meaning to their life. Perhaps we are seeing the same development in developed democracies, where the angst of young adults is becoming evident in their exodus to join ISIS.
Purpose and meaning are essential in the personal lives of individuals to sustain social stability, particularly for young people who are forming the future of their lives. When they see no future, whether they live in Detroit, Michigan, East LA, London or Tunis, young people will find something to give their lives meaning, even if the purposes are violent and may cost them their lives.
When we consider writing down our intentions to design sustainable societies and democracies, it may seem far too magnificent an effort for individual citizens to consider. Yet, the values that underlie social, political and economic stability and sustainability are universal to you, personally. Just as you have sought to create a better quality of life for yourself by growing into your innate potential with the same (equal) necessity as anyone else would choose to if they had the opportunity. I hope you can see and understand how it is possible for citizens in their own local communities to create sustainable vision and intentions for their community and their nation.
Over time, the creep of social change is measurable. Sociologists and economists both agree that a vibrant and prosperous middle class of merchants and business owners is the key to a vibrant and prosperous society. Yet, that middle class has been decimated by big corporate “big box” stores that can afford to grow even on a very small margin of profitability. Over time, they have gained a greater market share at the expense of middle class store owners. Where are the jobs that used to train vast numbers of high school and college students the fundamental skills of working during the summer? They have been wiped out, just as the middle class has been wiped out. How does this relate to the “Middle East Meltdown?” Look closely at the news and see who is filling the ranks of the terrorist groups: Young men without employment, without a wife and family structure that gives purpose and meaning to their life. Perhaps we are seeing the same development in developed democracies, where the angst of young adults is becoming evident in their exodus to join ISIS.
Purpose and meaning are essential in the personal lives of individuals to sustain social stability, particularly for young people who are forming the future of their lives. When they see no future, whether they live in Detroit, Michigan, East LA, London or Tunis, young people will find something to give their lives meaning, even if the purposes are violent and may cost them their lives.
When we consider writing down our intentions to design sustainable societies and democracies, it may seem far too magnificent an effort for individual citizens to consider. Yet, the values that underlie social, political and economic stability and sustainability are universal to you, personally. Just as you have sought to create a better quality of life for yourself by growing into your innate potential with the same (equal) necessity as anyone else would choose to if they had the opportunity. I hope you can see and understand how it is possible for citizens in their own local communities to create sustainable vision and intentions for their community and their nation.