Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Whats Wrong With the World, Part 1
Our leaders are our role models, not directly but indirectly and subconciously. We don't actually look up to them, but their constant presence in the news means their actions and decisions are noticed far more than anyone elses, and no doubt affect us. So when they are greedy (re: voting themselves pay rises), or try and wriggle out of the truth (re: WMDs), or try and draw a line under any previous indeiscretions and continue as if nothing has happened (re: David Blunkett), or accept what would be bribes under any other name (re: donations to political parties), what kind of message does that send to the populace? How can we blame teenagers or criminals for their actions when dishonest behaviour goes unpunished and sometimes even seems to be rewarded (re: David Blunkett again)?
I don't think it's limited to leaders either. Companies perform actions that are constantly reported in the news. Companies are obviously made up of people, so we perceive them as the actions of those people. So if they can get away with unsociable behaviour and criminal actions, why shouldn't the rest of us? Why should we perform altruistic actions? Companies don't, and look how much money they have got!
I don't think it's limited to leaders either. Companies perform actions that are constantly reported in the news. Companies are obviously made up of people, so we perceive them as the actions of those people. So if they can get away with unsociable behaviour and criminal actions, why shouldn't the rest of us? Why should we perform altruistic actions? Companies don't, and look how much money they have got!
