I despise the Western obsession with modernization, the assumption that we should constantly be progressing. Additionally, the students at my school come out of their development classes exclaiming their prestigious futures with NGOs, how they will save the world, and assert that each country has the same conveniences we experience in the West. Universities are breeding modern-day colonists, but in a clandestine way. I do not wish this upon anyone. I envy those living in much simpler ways. I believe that we should just be left to live our everyday lives, savouring each breath, each moment without concern for the next order of business. Why do countries need to improve? To be able to access new markets? Spread democracy and capitalism? These advocates are the same that preach the importance of deiversity. I think we need to move away from standardization of the world and just live. Due to the economic climate, we are going to experience stagnation for a few years. This is society's biggest fear and anxiety, but I believe that it removes pressures. Mostly for those women who are expected to keep up with each season's new fashion trend, despite loving all of the items already flooding their closets. They will have the opportunity to show their creativity in reinventing old trends and will be able to fell nostalgia for the memories created when in an old frock.
I think that ambition breeds unhappiness and consistent dissatisfaction. A depressing life is one in which someone is constantly setting new goals for themselves each time they have reached a previous goal, without ever feeling fulfillment at reaching any one goal.
I find that this obsession has led to the overwhelming presence of depression in our society, the inability to ever be satisfied, and to live up to one's dreams and ambitions. While antidepressants should not be the solution, I find pharmaceutical companies to be completely insensitive with their marketing campaigns. The bottom line is that these medications should not be termed "anti-depressants" in the first place. They would be much more profitable if they were marketed in another way. The last thing that a depressed person wants to hear is that they are depressed. Additionally, the term "anti-depressant" solidifies the fact that they have depression, a shameful diagnosis.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I would like to be a futurologist
I went to a lecture yesterday by a futurologist. He said that the only way that we will be able to restore order in the Fourth World is through recolonization. Specifically, he offered the example of Somalia. The only way in which we can curb the Fourth World's destruction to capitalism (i.e. piracy of large oil ships) is to recolonize. Otherwise they will continue to interfere, and the Western world attempts to dispose of all interfering factors to free markets, especially conflicts.
I personally find this absurb and pray that it does not happen. I believe that further influence will damage relations even more. But I am intrigued by nations that would like the benefits of being colonized by a major Western power.
Furthermore, he predicted that political unrest will continue to increase globally as economic conditions and uncertainty worsen. I do agree with this notion. It is also interesting because a friend of mine predicted that we are entering very peaceful times and that fewer wars will be waged than ever before. We are entering an age of diplomacy. I would like to believe in this optimism, but as we have seen numerous times before, economic hardship breeds mobilization, revolution and ultimately wars. Where this will happen exactly, I cannot tell you momentarily, but time will begin to reveal state weaknesses. I do believe that war will be focused on interstate conflicts rather than internal uprisings. Each state is looking to another to admit guilt in the economic crisis, but neither has. In this time, each state will be turning inward without regard for others.
History helps us to predict the future. Unfortunately, we never learn and the actions occur over and over again. While they take a new form, the outcome is always the same. Most prevalent currently is the financial situation that is reflecting the past so vividly. You wouldn't believe the numebr of times a credit crisis has occurred, specifically in imperial times when countries were waging numerous wars that they could not afford. Fortunately back then, there was world to expand into. First, Latin American helped to elude extended financial crisis and then Africa. Maybe the moon will provide resources that can improve global profitability. Also parallel to the imperial period, is the inability of states to control international dealings. Countries sent merchants, explorers, colonizers, etc. abroad in order to expand the interests of the state. However, many times these "diplomats" worked for themselves or even aided rebellions against the metropole. Today, the financial markets and banks operate in an international context that supercedes a nation's regulatory sphere. International organizations are founded to help aid this shortcoming, but they fail as well. The UN cannot secure the world, the IMF cannot fulfill the economic interests of each nation, etc.
I personally find this absurb and pray that it does not happen. I believe that further influence will damage relations even more. But I am intrigued by nations that would like the benefits of being colonized by a major Western power.
Furthermore, he predicted that political unrest will continue to increase globally as economic conditions and uncertainty worsen. I do agree with this notion. It is also interesting because a friend of mine predicted that we are entering very peaceful times and that fewer wars will be waged than ever before. We are entering an age of diplomacy. I would like to believe in this optimism, but as we have seen numerous times before, economic hardship breeds mobilization, revolution and ultimately wars. Where this will happen exactly, I cannot tell you momentarily, but time will begin to reveal state weaknesses. I do believe that war will be focused on interstate conflicts rather than internal uprisings. Each state is looking to another to admit guilt in the economic crisis, but neither has. In this time, each state will be turning inward without regard for others.
History helps us to predict the future. Unfortunately, we never learn and the actions occur over and over again. While they take a new form, the outcome is always the same. Most prevalent currently is the financial situation that is reflecting the past so vividly. You wouldn't believe the numebr of times a credit crisis has occurred, specifically in imperial times when countries were waging numerous wars that they could not afford. Fortunately back then, there was world to expand into. First, Latin American helped to elude extended financial crisis and then Africa. Maybe the moon will provide resources that can improve global profitability. Also parallel to the imperial period, is the inability of states to control international dealings. Countries sent merchants, explorers, colonizers, etc. abroad in order to expand the interests of the state. However, many times these "diplomats" worked for themselves or even aided rebellions against the metropole. Today, the financial markets and banks operate in an international context that supercedes a nation's regulatory sphere. International organizations are founded to help aid this shortcoming, but they fail as well. The UN cannot secure the world, the IMF cannot fulfill the economic interests of each nation, etc.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Help!
Hello Readers,
This post is to actively seek your help. I am interested to know if any of you can think of examples from history when a society has attempted to make the transition from a capitalist to socialist economy. The best example I can think of is Cuba's transition from Batista to Castro, but skepticism exists over Cuba's true economic structure under Batista, who often toyed with notions of socialism and capitalistm simultaneously. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.
Best,
The Imperialista
This post is to actively seek your help. I am interested to know if any of you can think of examples from history when a society has attempted to make the transition from a capitalist to socialist economy. The best example I can think of is Cuba's transition from Batista to Castro, but skepticism exists over Cuba's true economic structure under Batista, who often toyed with notions of socialism and capitalistm simultaneously. I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.
Best,
The Imperialista
I hate to be the bearer of bad news...The EU will fail
Dear EU Member Countries,
While I applaud your sincere efforts, unfortunately you have based your assumptions for success off the capitalist structure, and therefore the European Union structure, as we know it today, will fail. The good news is that it will not happen before the secession of Turkey.
Looking at the EU's aggregate history, the EU typically seeks expansion at times when member countries have already experienced the shift from agrarian to industrial economies. The most prominent example of this was Spain. Spain's main appeal to the EU was its cheap access to agriculture, but as income grew, industrialization increased, and the source for cheap agricultural products needed to be sourced from elsewhere....enter Romania & Bulgaria. I do make the stark assumption that the same pattern will occur with these countries, and the trend will continue. The overall assumption for this argument is based upon the capitalist dream of continuous economic growth. This indicates that after Romania and Bulgaria have industrialized and seek importing agriculture for themselves, Turkey's bid for the EU will be entertained. Continuing along this closed-bubble of Europe, if expansion of members is not continuous, there will be a point when the EU experiences crisis and will ultimately break apart. Europe is only so big.
I find this ironic because, although it has transformed from mercantilism to capitalism, I see many of the same trends from Europe's mercantilist inspired imperial history. As with most great empires, expansion reaches a limit. Most detrimental is quick expansion without solving existing dilemmas. When expansion ceases to be realized, it signals the beginning of the fall of an empire. It's true what they say, Success breeds succeeds...but only to a point. Using Europe's claim that they would like to build an economy to rival that of the US is based off the imperial assumption that in the long run, only a few great economies will dominate, as nation states did in the Early-modern era.
As we are experiencing currently with the economic situation, the EU's weaknesses are going to be exposed, especially each country's dependency upon each other's. Furthermore, the EU is in a unique situation; it will be interesting to see how willing member countries are to come to the aid of other members. Living in London currently, the belief on the street is that the US will bail out the entire world. Ha! Active international aid is not at the top of anyone's agenda at this time, when nation's policies tend to turn domestic. Yes, afterall, Adam Smith did state that we are self-interested individuals. This statement could prove detrimental for the EU if states try to pursue their own economic interests at the expense of other member states and the EU as a whole.
Sincerely yours,
The imperialista
P.s. I'm here for you if you need anything.
While I applaud your sincere efforts, unfortunately you have based your assumptions for success off the capitalist structure, and therefore the European Union structure, as we know it today, will fail. The good news is that it will not happen before the secession of Turkey.
Looking at the EU's aggregate history, the EU typically seeks expansion at times when member countries have already experienced the shift from agrarian to industrial economies. The most prominent example of this was Spain. Spain's main appeal to the EU was its cheap access to agriculture, but as income grew, industrialization increased, and the source for cheap agricultural products needed to be sourced from elsewhere....enter Romania & Bulgaria. I do make the stark assumption that the same pattern will occur with these countries, and the trend will continue. The overall assumption for this argument is based upon the capitalist dream of continuous economic growth. This indicates that after Romania and Bulgaria have industrialized and seek importing agriculture for themselves, Turkey's bid for the EU will be entertained. Continuing along this closed-bubble of Europe, if expansion of members is not continuous, there will be a point when the EU experiences crisis and will ultimately break apart. Europe is only so big.
I find this ironic because, although it has transformed from mercantilism to capitalism, I see many of the same trends from Europe's mercantilist inspired imperial history. As with most great empires, expansion reaches a limit. Most detrimental is quick expansion without solving existing dilemmas. When expansion ceases to be realized, it signals the beginning of the fall of an empire. It's true what they say, Success breeds succeeds...but only to a point. Using Europe's claim that they would like to build an economy to rival that of the US is based off the imperial assumption that in the long run, only a few great economies will dominate, as nation states did in the Early-modern era.
As we are experiencing currently with the economic situation, the EU's weaknesses are going to be exposed, especially each country's dependency upon each other's. Furthermore, the EU is in a unique situation; it will be interesting to see how willing member countries are to come to the aid of other members. Living in London currently, the belief on the street is that the US will bail out the entire world. Ha! Active international aid is not at the top of anyone's agenda at this time, when nation's policies tend to turn domestic. Yes, afterall, Adam Smith did state that we are self-interested individuals. This statement could prove detrimental for the EU if states try to pursue their own economic interests at the expense of other member states and the EU as a whole.
Sincerely yours,
The imperialista
P.s. I'm here for you if you need anything.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Obaminated
The puns to his name are endless. While I hate to be another speaking of Obama, this post will hopefully strike you as unique. I was thoroughly frustrated with the U.S.'s past round of elections, mostly because of the way that the world came to idolize and celebritize one person. It probably seemed even more awkward for me since I have met him. He spoke at my high school graduation (my college graduation commencement speakers didn't even come close), he wants the same education for his girls that my parents wanted for me, we run the same routes, frequent the same hospital, and lastly, I spent my friday nights in high school playing poker and attending chicago's black elite house parties down the street from Obama's current residence. Seeing secret service on the streets is nothing new since neighbor Louis Farrakhan has employed idle men in cars with earpieces for many years. To me, Barack Obama is a normal, genuine man. His vision is inspirational, but I am frustrated because I know many people with this same vision that are never given the time of day. Additionally, I think it is excessive for people to put so much hope and expectation into one man to resolve problems that have been caused by 300 million people. He was right when he said that he wants to help but can't do it without the help of each citizen making changes and sacrifices in their own daily lives. Unfortunately, this is where my pessimism begins as my lack of faith in my fellow citizens to take care of themselves.
Historically, through empires, there have been three dominant forms of leadership/imperialism. Charisma is the first, traditional transitions to authority the second, and leadership by force the third. Obviously, Obama leads with the first. I don't think it is proper to state that he rules with charisma because I do not acutally believe that the President of the US holds nearly as much power as most would like to think. The process of checks and balances is extremely tedious. The point I like to take away from this though is its relevance to managerial strategies within modern day organizations. With todays current generation entering the workforce, companies are going to realize that traditional forms of influence, power and management are not going to be effective. Even moreso, companies will have to rethink the ways in which they motivate employees. I can say that with the demise of imperialism worldwide, intercolleague competition is decreasing. We rather be motivated by competing against ourselves knowing that we can always do better, rather than caring about what the competition is doing.
Following with Obama's characteristics, the positive aspect behind his idolization is that he is genuine and as they say, "an open book". He and I are alike in that regard. I don't think that I can be judged for being true, regardless of the information that I reveal. It is much worse to live a lie or perception and never really truly sharing yourself. I don't know what people are so afraid of. Especially nowadays when we are taught to suppress so much, the lines of reality are blurred. But I believe that the upcoming generation will begin to blur professional and personal lines more, often pursuing careers that are their life in every way.
Time to board, but this post will be continued and edited soon. P.S. US Airways is an awful airline to fly. I do not recommend. Although I should state that its not necessarily the airlines fault, but more their target market. I am willing to bet that there is a much higher probability of sitting next to an obese person on a US Airways flight than any other carrier in the nation. Additionally, I bet there is a much higher percentage of uneduacated and paranoid fliers who have no reservastions about screeming when turbulence is realized; are old, experiencing mental deterioration, and think that it would be a good idea to spend the flight talking to you even though you already explained to them that you don't speak english; or have lots and lots of kids kicking the back of your seat. Sounds pleasant! I do not mean to be pretentious with this comment.
Historical Lack of class through presidential campaigns
Characteristics
Honesty
3 forms of leadership
Historically, through empires, there have been three dominant forms of leadership/imperialism. Charisma is the first, traditional transitions to authority the second, and leadership by force the third. Obviously, Obama leads with the first. I don't think it is proper to state that he rules with charisma because I do not acutally believe that the President of the US holds nearly as much power as most would like to think. The process of checks and balances is extremely tedious. The point I like to take away from this though is its relevance to managerial strategies within modern day organizations. With todays current generation entering the workforce, companies are going to realize that traditional forms of influence, power and management are not going to be effective. Even moreso, companies will have to rethink the ways in which they motivate employees. I can say that with the demise of imperialism worldwide, intercolleague competition is decreasing. We rather be motivated by competing against ourselves knowing that we can always do better, rather than caring about what the competition is doing.
Following with Obama's characteristics, the positive aspect behind his idolization is that he is genuine and as they say, "an open book". He and I are alike in that regard. I don't think that I can be judged for being true, regardless of the information that I reveal. It is much worse to live a lie or perception and never really truly sharing yourself. I don't know what people are so afraid of. Especially nowadays when we are taught to suppress so much, the lines of reality are blurred. But I believe that the upcoming generation will begin to blur professional and personal lines more, often pursuing careers that are their life in every way.
Time to board, but this post will be continued and edited soon. P.S. US Airways is an awful airline to fly. I do not recommend. Although I should state that its not necessarily the airlines fault, but more their target market. I am willing to bet that there is a much higher probability of sitting next to an obese person on a US Airways flight than any other carrier in the nation. Additionally, I bet there is a much higher percentage of uneduacated and paranoid fliers who have no reservastions about screeming when turbulence is realized; are old, experiencing mental deterioration, and think that it would be a good idea to spend the flight talking to you even though you already explained to them that you don't speak english; or have lots and lots of kids kicking the back of your seat. Sounds pleasant! I do not mean to be pretentious with this comment.
Historical Lack of class through presidential campaigns
Characteristics
Honesty
3 forms of leadership
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Wars and Bars
I had the interesting experience last night of sitting in a Fraternity-esque bar in Miami that happened to have several tvs on around the establishment. I was there with a very close friend and her not so eloquent friends as they shared drunken stories and bad driving records. Meanwhile, I was numbed when news of the imminent war in Gaza by guess who! Israel, appeared on the television screen in front of me.
As one guy noticed the drastic change in my mood, I mentioned the war, and he responded with a "you just can't think of those things". WHAT?! These are the things that affect me on a daily basis. Yes, I would love to be able to ignore them, but how selfish. So I note the obvious alienation among this crowd, and I play the rest of the night off as "tired". I just couldn't enjoy a drink when I felt that I should be at home doing something. anything.
So, here lies my dilemma that will probably be the prevailing theme for the rest of the blog. At my age, most of my peers have other foci that are far different than my own. I often find myself without much to discuss with them, and the people I do wish to speak to are hiding behind assistants and private cars. When I say speak, I mean to have a normal conversation, a two-way path of learning. By no means do I think that I have the answers, any answers at all, but I wish to learn more about other's perspectives. My premature ambition often is the source of my perils.
Currently I am a graduate student at a school that is full of people that want to change the world. It's wonderful. Their optimism and hope shine through everyday, but unfortunately when they recommend solutions or share their opinions, nothing new is revealed. It's as if I am resitting yesterday's lecture. I miss spontaneous idea generation and genuine creativity. Too many people these days think that their ideas define them, but I think it is important to present possibilities even if they do not fall within your own beliefs. The potential is what's important.
Though this blog, I wish to share and explore my own experiences and ideas at the micro and macro level. As a current academic, ideas are expected to be formalized and represented with clear, solid facts, but instinct is also important. In today's society, I believe that there is so much information being absorbed that it's the macro instinctive feeling that determines an opinion rather than one solid fact. For example, just hearing people talking on the street and hearing the general news, I can tell you that the economy is bad. I do not need to pull up a bar chart to show you how consumers are feeling. I will save those formalities for my professors happiness. Additionally, the formality of idea-sharing in the academic world actually discourages ideas from being presented. Without having the time or resources to fully research an idea, one is hesitant to present an idea that another may be quickly criticize and dismiss, rather than explore further.
But I do believe that the formalities are necessary, but by no means do I think that I have been manipulated by them. I will play their game to satisfy them, aware of what actually is being asked of me.
As I mentioned earlier, I do enjoy hearing opinions, constructive criticisms, ideas, perspectives, etc. So please share. I am aware that this blog will probably come across as ignorant, but I understand that there are different opinions, and these are just the ones that I have formulated. Feel free to offer an opposing opinion. Additionally, if you ever wonder how I have formulated an opinion, ask. I would be happy to share. I think the motivation for ideas and opinions is more important than the opinion itself.
Additionally, if you love your job, please share with me what you do and why you like it. Like most others, I am currently job hunting, and while I was very sure of the career I wanted to pursue, I am open to new possibilities. Especially in today's economy, I think it is imperative that one keep their options open. I know what I want out of life, and understand that there are many different paths that I can take to achieve my goals.
As one guy noticed the drastic change in my mood, I mentioned the war, and he responded with a "you just can't think of those things". WHAT?! These are the things that affect me on a daily basis. Yes, I would love to be able to ignore them, but how selfish. So I note the obvious alienation among this crowd, and I play the rest of the night off as "tired". I just couldn't enjoy a drink when I felt that I should be at home doing something. anything.
So, here lies my dilemma that will probably be the prevailing theme for the rest of the blog. At my age, most of my peers have other foci that are far different than my own. I often find myself without much to discuss with them, and the people I do wish to speak to are hiding behind assistants and private cars. When I say speak, I mean to have a normal conversation, a two-way path of learning. By no means do I think that I have the answers, any answers at all, but I wish to learn more about other's perspectives. My premature ambition often is the source of my perils.
Currently I am a graduate student at a school that is full of people that want to change the world. It's wonderful. Their optimism and hope shine through everyday, but unfortunately when they recommend solutions or share their opinions, nothing new is revealed. It's as if I am resitting yesterday's lecture. I miss spontaneous idea generation and genuine creativity. Too many people these days think that their ideas define them, but I think it is important to present possibilities even if they do not fall within your own beliefs. The potential is what's important.
Though this blog, I wish to share and explore my own experiences and ideas at the micro and macro level. As a current academic, ideas are expected to be formalized and represented with clear, solid facts, but instinct is also important. In today's society, I believe that there is so much information being absorbed that it's the macro instinctive feeling that determines an opinion rather than one solid fact. For example, just hearing people talking on the street and hearing the general news, I can tell you that the economy is bad. I do not need to pull up a bar chart to show you how consumers are feeling. I will save those formalities for my professors happiness. Additionally, the formality of idea-sharing in the academic world actually discourages ideas from being presented. Without having the time or resources to fully research an idea, one is hesitant to present an idea that another may be quickly criticize and dismiss, rather than explore further.
But I do believe that the formalities are necessary, but by no means do I think that I have been manipulated by them. I will play their game to satisfy them, aware of what actually is being asked of me.
As I mentioned earlier, I do enjoy hearing opinions, constructive criticisms, ideas, perspectives, etc. So please share. I am aware that this blog will probably come across as ignorant, but I understand that there are different opinions, and these are just the ones that I have formulated. Feel free to offer an opposing opinion. Additionally, if you ever wonder how I have formulated an opinion, ask. I would be happy to share. I think the motivation for ideas and opinions is more important than the opinion itself.
Additionally, if you love your job, please share with me what you do and why you like it. Like most others, I am currently job hunting, and while I was very sure of the career I wanted to pursue, I am open to new possibilities. Especially in today's economy, I think it is imperative that one keep their options open. I know what I want out of life, and understand that there are many different paths that I can take to achieve my goals.
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