Apocalypse watch
I just read an article from the 1970s. It was a call for radical changes in how the 1st world helps the rest. The author criticizes the “packaged” version of aid. He calls for creative, more effective solutions.
He particularly addressed global education. He analyzed actual resources and criticized current mentalities (models). Days in classroom as the measure of education is not the ideal. It is the measure that the 1st world uses and it seems to work. It is not ideal here, yet it functions. Education keeps kids out of the streets (jail) and out of the labor pool.
The more marginalized a society, the more important to find a new measure. He recommends a shift towards adult education and more flexible school time as well as programs designed to get educational toys into the homes. I borrow his momentum, add modern standards based education, plus “Reason” magazine’s article on home schooling, plus imaginary research that influences global aidgivers (UN?) and I see potential growth.
Another specific issue addressed was medical aid. He quoted some Latin American high official that says every dollar spent on doctors costs lives. The theory is that the money sould be spent on clean water.
I am disheartened to read that this scholar wrote an excellent social criticism with practical solutions that never were put into place. I cynically remarked the other day that academia’s work is a waste of time. This article stands as support to my dispair.
Perhaps it was too radical. Perhaps the baby’s put out with the bathwater, since the writing reveals zealous bias. Perhaps the solutions are too vague. Perhaps there was too little regard for economics. I wonder what the criteria for effective acedemic study is. I’m afraid the answer would fuel my cynicism.
Speaking of cynicism, when speaking with the alpha counselor last week, she talked about the large number of environmentalists that “sell out.” Many apparently become lobbyists after working so hard to protect or heal the environment through legislation only to see their efforts futile.
Creative radical changes are necessary. Dynamic enough to better humanity, static enough to satisfy a status quo, or maintain the stability necessary to not exceed the collective conscious’ comfort zone.