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jarcher
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Changing Our Perceptions
January 25, 2011 - 08:54 AM
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Hello all,
Recently I have discussed with members of TIG the actions of our governments and the future (both realistic and idealistic) of the world we live in.
I think most people would agree that in an ideal world there would be no wars or suffering. Also, most people would agree that in the real world such ideals are impossible to achieve - there are many causes for war and endless causes of suffering. And so usually the debate ends there - it is human nature to fight and all we can do is make the best of it.
My point is this: maybe the "idealistic" view IS possible with some changes in our perceptions of the world. I do not have all the answers unfortunately but there are events which have the power to change the way humanity thinks about the world and themselves. For example 9/11, or the release of Nelson Mandela, had a huge effect on global consciousness.
My hypothesis is this: if something equally huge were to happen in today's society the change could/would be instantaneous. Given the right events maybe humanity would reject fear, hate & anger in favour of loving their fellow man.
To give another example, wikileaks information has already prompted many to question what their leaders are doing behind closed doors. The speed with which news spreads online makes it possible for such stories to have a huge & immediate impact around the world.
I would like to hear what your opinions are on this subject - is a change in humanity's perception of the world even possible?
What kind of event could trigger such a change?
And where can we look to find such a revelation?
Thanks for reading.
Jay.
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bob
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
January 25, 2011 - 03:48 PM
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I can't think of anything that would have a lasting effect. Maybe a visit from aliens, such as in Arthur C Clarks Childhoods end.
I think that as technology gets better and the gap between the west and the rest increases, there may come a time when would be dictators and warmongers are so easily asassinated that they dare not behave to badly. The problem with this is that depending on your view point, the wrong people may have the technology !
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jarcher
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
January 26, 2011 - 06:33 AM
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spymaster wrote:
I can't think of anything that would have a lasting effect. Maybe a visit from aliens, such as in Arthur C Clarks Childhoods end.
I think that as technology gets better and the gap between the west and the rest increases, there may come a time when would be dictators and warmongers are so easily asassinated that they dare not behave to badly. The problem with this is that depending on your view point, the wrong people may have the technology !
I see your point that there doesn't appear to be anything on the horizon that will drastically alter our perceptions. Also, I like your stream of thought - a visit from aliens or the release of documents saying we have been visited - may well have sufficient impact. Admittedly this may seem unlikely however it is possible, so we have identified a potential event.
As regards to technology I would argue that the evolution of ideas promotes advances in defense as quick as those in attack. As we saw in the case of the Cold War an arms race will get us nowhere. My hope is that in the case of dictatorships the population would orchestrate a peaceful mass protest. We are already seeing the knock-on effects of the Tunisia uprizing in Egypt, scaled up this kind of reaction could see the ousting of corrupt governments worldwide.
I think if there is an event that causes us all to re-evaluate the world the revolution will come from the people. Looking to those in power to bring about social and political change is hopeless. Those established in positions of power have no interest in the population being enlightened - quite the opposite in fact.
Thanks for bring Childhood's End to my attention - looks like a must-read! 
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jarcher
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
January 28, 2011 - 05:37 AM
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Maybe people don't need a visit from extraterrestrials to demand change..
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2011/01/472908.html
Is there anyone on this forum from Egypt, or with loved ones there? I am anxious to hear the real story from people there.
Thanks.
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bob
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
January 28, 2011 - 02:42 PM
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Regarding the article, I think the world is increasingly polarizing into those who believe everything the U.S government does is born straight from satan, and those who believe that a fundamentalist islamic group are trying to distabilise the western world for its own ends. ??
Egypt. interesting interview with a young Egyptian man on the Radio 4 bbc news. In which he stressed that he was not a representative of the countries islamic extremists. That the young people of the country had been talking across the internet and decided a change was needed. He said that he didn't even want president mubarak to resign, just not to stand at the next election. A peaceful revolution.
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jarcher
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
January 31, 2011 - 09:03 AM
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I think the world is increasingly polarizing into those who believe everything the U.S government does is born straight from satan, and those who believe that a fundamentalist islamic group are trying to distabilise the western world for its own ends. ??
In my personal opinion America's foreign policy is questionable to say the least, I would stop short of saying "straight from satan", but it's not far off!
What is this "fundamentalist Islamic group" that you speak of? The Taleban?
As you say, there has been no implication that any radical Islamic movement is involved in either the Tunisia or Egypt revolutions.
Back on topic, how have the recent events shaped your perception on the possibility of revolutions not only in the Arab world, but in Europe and the US?
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bob
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
February 3, 2011 - 03:31 PM
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The fundamentalist group in Egypt are 'the muslim brotherhood' As far as I know they are not AQ linked, but they do have extreme muslim views.
Relolution in the west?
I don't think so! however we bleat about our governments foriegn policy, tax, corruption Etc. We have too much to lose.
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Robert Dold
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
February 4, 2011 - 04:39 PM
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In my personal opinion America's foreign policy is questionable to say the least, I would stop short of saying "straight from satan", but it's not far off!
What is this "fundamentalist Islamic group" that you speak of? The Taleban?
As you say, there has been no implication that any radical Islamic movement is involved in either the Tunisia or Egypt revolutions.
Back on topic, how have the recent events shaped your perception on the possibility of revolutions not only in the Arab world, but in Europe and the US?
America's foreign policy is all about what is in the best interest for Americans. This is separate from the U.S.'s foreign policy as not all people in the U.S. are Americans.
The U.S. within the North American Continent must be seen first as the whole of the U.S.A.'s People. Then must be separated into the groups which have the most political power.
These groups are also known for fundamental ideologies so the Democrats are fundamentalist liberals and the Republicans would like all of the liberties of liberals while excluding liberals. Conservatives is a word without clear definitions as fundamental ideas have torn Republicans into several groups and a new party called the Tea Party who claims to be separate.
As a whole Americans are a "Fundamentalist" Terrorist Organization.
Not straight from Satan but with so many Americans willing to point guns, shoot to kill, etc... The problem of the U.S. becoming involved in a "Revolution" is highly likely.
There are ideologies at stake greater than at any time in recent and past history. Words easily provoke opposition. People are reacting in full preparation for problems and the problems are surfacing from within Americans as the divisions have run their course.
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Grand Inquisitor
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
January 9, 2012 - 02:26 PM
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Hi Jay, I also like Bob's idea of Alien invasion. An event like that could trigger a change in humanity if the aliens give us an ultimatum to cease hostilities on earth or face total destruction by death ray... On the other hand, our governments might use mass media to feed into our sense of fear and mistrust of these Aliens, in which case humanity might join together in another mindless crusade of war to fight the common enemy. Governments seem to excel at manipulating the unenlightened masses into hyseteria and war.
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mandy chang
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
March 9, 2012 - 09:32 PM
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I always believe the root cause of all the evil doings comes from greed and the love of material needs. If you analyze all the major events and scandals, all these are a result of competition for power, land and resources. War for example although sometimes is claimed fought in the name of religion, but behind it, the hidden agenda still goes back to money and precious resources. What we have learned looking at the events occurring throughout the history of mankind, is that it is a known fact that humans always lack one attribute that is to be contend and happy with what they have. There is nothing to stop being satisfied and once you have more, you need to go further and stay on top, above the rest. And sadly up to the point of committing evil needs to take away from others. The way I see it, this has no end nor with a solution in sight and I don’t think changing the perception will help. It’s only how to limit the damage done.
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This post was edited on: 2012-03-09 at 09:33 PM by: mandy chang
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Kerry Burns
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Re: Changing Our Perceptions
May 12, 2012 - 03:19 AM
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You raise an interesting question J Archer, and I too can see little but a sudden worldwide awareness of alien interest succeeding in bringing us all together.
I think I was lucky early on, I've never been in any doubt since the day when the entire school trooped out into the yard to watch an amazing display of UFOs. A large cylindrical object was being circled by smaller, saucer shaped craft, and we watched in stunned silence for maybe 10 minutes, before filing back into class.
Had I seen this while alone, a different outcome would have prevailed.
As a result, I've grown up in a world surrounded by alien life and the associated traffic of a busy universe, where many or most people deny what I feel to be fact. I'm grateful for this, as it highlights other areas where the average person is hampered by an inability to accept anything out of the ordinary.
What I'd like to suggest, is that intelligent aliens would doubtless land if they felt we were sufficiently civilised to receive them, (the output of our television stations surely tells them otherwise).
On the other hand they might easily intervene to prevent us blowing ourselves to smithereens, as they are often seen to have the ability to paralyse our machinery. Our messy ways must horrify them, and the possibility of our doing damage to the rest of the solar system may be on their minds.
Other than these two cases, is there any other reason why they might venture down and say hello ...
I think not.
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