WW Chapter 23: Capitalism and Culture


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My Final Blog Post
(Sources: https://www.quora.com/Why-do-so-many-people-on-Quora-end-their-answers-with-That-s-all-folks)

Chapter 23: Capitalism and Culture
The Acceleration of Globalization
since 1945 

1061 pages of world history conclude with some thoughts on capitalism, global feminism, the rebirth of religion and the second wave of environmentalism.  A lot to ponder to be sure, but I seek the "red thread" - the synthesis of all this data into a coherent point that permeates our reading up until now.  Change.  We can't stop it, in fact we demand it.  As nations emerge from empires, and more governments with more individual agendas arise, the free market takes shape - and with it, the concept of capitalism.  One way or another mankind has always been capitalistic.  Nothing is new here, but the benefits and consequenses of our pursuits are unequal in their effect.  Like Shelly concludes - "The rich have become richer and the poor have become poorer."  Capitalism does not distribute wealth equaly.  The globalization of economies have led to a growing gap between the rich and the poor since the world's market is largely left unchecked.  New organizations, such as the IMF, the World Bank and the WTO are voiced by the more powerful nations with considerable economic clout.  Externalities as a result of the market behavior need to be addressed through regulation of trade - but I'm not sure we will see that any time soon.  Even Alan Greenspan said that he underestimated human greed.

But things are looking up.  A new round of post sufferage feminism has brought the problems faced by gender discrimination to the greater conversation.  This time it was much more global, highlighting some of the reasons that the moveent has failed to get traction.  Cultures of different women see different sides of the issues.  In fact in France, the consider women's right as human rights.  This pretty much wraps up all inequities together - Race, Gender, Age, Sexuality, Religion, Etc.  In Africa, women see this similarly, however they see the western european and American movements as too indiviualistic - a form of "cultural imperialism".  The conversation continues as we struggle with equality everywhere.

Religious Fundamentalism gets a shot in the arm as well.  Christianity and Islam both underwent a "back to basics" period, further isolating themselves from a more modern, scientific and progressive world.  New forms of spirituality are changing the face of traditional religion though, and these are becoming more popular.

Finally, the environmental concerns that came out of the industrial revolution are reborn in the 60's with a renewed vigor.  Global warming, industrial polution and deforestation are all issues which we are trying desperately to get a handle on through policy.

I am an optomist, an I always see hope in the future.  Unfortunately hope is not a strategy (despite what the Obama campaign says).  Humans are evolving as a race, and it's been a difficult childhood for us.  Out of the 4.53 billion years that earth has been around, we are just toddlers.  The dinosaurs were around for about 179 million years but we've only been here for 250,000.  And just contemplate the change!  Could you immagine what we can accomplish in the next 250,000?  Maybe we should give ourselves a break and keep struggling forward, resolving our differences in grown up ways and stop trying to force things.  Fix the life and limb stuff, and worry about being king of the hill later.

It's been a very interesting book and I've learned a lot.  I hope to use some of what I've learned in my future conversations, debates and ideas.

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