GuidoWorld

Diversity

April 23, 2008 on 3:28 pm | In General |

Probably the greatest potential benefit to globalism is in its ability to make sure that all of the planet’s inhabitants get food, shelter and all their basic needs. The sharing and strategic planning of the use of all of the earth’s bountiful resources could be implemented in an efficient manner maximizing natural resources while minimizing waste and harm to the environment. Yet, to this date, this has not been the goal or the method of globalism.

Yet, other than the sharing and distribution of basic food stuffs and needs I see little benefit  to a globalism which strives to make us all one system. Now there is no doubt that isolationism and fanatical nationalism can be harmful as well as divisive. Biology has long demonstrated the drawbacks of incest and a narrowing of the gene pool, and heralded the benefits of larger gene pools in terms of adaptability and resistance to disease.

Racial, cultural and ethnic differences contribute greatly to the growth and development of the human race. Cultural differences have us see life from different perspectives and encourage us to not get locked in a specific orientation, or become blind to life’s possibilities. Likewise the similarities between cultures give us a greater understanding of what it is to be human and the questions and tasks we all face.

Differences in language likewise reflect and in some ways create varied world views and ways to see and appreciate human thought and experience.  Some concepts and emotional stances cannot be effectively translated from one language to another. There would be much lost if we were to try and force all to speak and learn in one universal tongue.

Some suggest that through time the gene pool will become completely integrated, and that anyone thinking it won’t is in some form of denial. Though it is true that crossbreeding and an expansion of each individual’s gene pool is inevitable it is ridiculous to think that we will all evolve into one basically homogenous gene pool. Studies have shown that the majority of people are attracted to people who are similar to themselves in body and facial features as well interests and abilities. This tendency will always keep the gene pool diverse even though it is expanding.

In general most humans have two opposing but interdependent desires. One is to be accepted and loved by others, and the other is to be a unique and separate individual. This desire to want to be both the same and different is at the heart of everyones need for a sense of self and worth.  Likewise, I think this tendency plays it self out on the global/social level. Where we want to have familial, cultural and social identities while at the same time feeling connected to all human being if not nature in general.

I for one think there is plenty of room on the planet for all of us to feel special and unique and at the same time connected to many different groups of varying size and importance. The desire to end all racial, cultural and social identities seems both unrealistic and misguided. Yes, the end of racism, bigotry and parochial superiority are noble goals, but these can be accomplished without removing the beauty of human diversity. The desire to become one global family by removing all difference just seems to be one more example of throwing the baby out with the bath water.

Jim Guido