The problem is vast and complex. It stems from the way individuals interact and grows into how whole nations interact.
It manifests in an incalculable number of ways which often appear like separate issues but make no mistake - there is only one problem.
The solution seems as complex and fragmented as the problem does.
The problem is broken down into sub problems and best-fit solutions applied to these
These solutions may work, in whole or in part.
They may give rise to other problems.
This is another facet of the problem - it's constantly changing.
The solution, although it seems complicated, is actually mindbendingly straightforward.
Everybody does what's right.
Maybe not even everybody, an overwhelming majority might be enough.
The reason this is not workable?
Simple - none of us can agree on what's right.
Personally speaking I don't need consensus in order to do what's right.
I just do it anyway.
If everyone did that, the problem would go away.
This is the part where everyone disagrees with me...
Doesn't everyone think theyre doing the right thing though?
Quote from: Placid Dingo on August 22, 2012, 11:07:13 AM
Doesn't everyone think theyre doing the right thing though?
I don't think so. I think more commonly people will justify their own wrongdoings. That's making excuses. That's not quite the same.
Personally, I simply disagree with the implicit assumption that we're fully in control of our actions and can thus simply decide to do what's right. In my experience, I gotta watch what the hell I'm doing, all of the time, and personally I appreciate it when other people call me out on shit that I might not have noticed (though I don't call people out on the subtle stuff when I don't think they're interested in hearing it, except when I'm itching for an argument.)
Anyway, the whole idea of "everyone should just do what's right" breaks down, completely, when you acknowledge the non-conscious aspects of oppression. They are everywhere, they are formed by socialization (which is usually invisible to people moving within a familiar culture) and in my estimation they form the bulk of oppression, much more than conscious action.
Quote from: VERBL on August 22, 2012, 11:34:10 AM
Personally, I simply disagree with the implicit assumption that we're fully in control of our actions and can thus simply decide to do what's right. In my experience, I gotta watch what the hell I'm doing, all of the time, and personally I appreciate it when other people call me out on shit that I might not have noticed (though I don't call people out on the subtle stuff when I don't think they're interested in hearing it, except when I'm itching for an argument.)
Anyway, the whole idea of "everyone should just do what's right" breaks down, completely, when you acknowledge the non-conscious aspects of oppression. They are everywhere, they are formed by socialization (which is usually invisible to people moving within a familiar culture) and in my estimation they form the bulk of oppression, much more than conscious action.
Can't say I disagree with any of this. So where does that leave us?