I don't know how we get past this stage. I think attitudes to income etc are
as much to do with careers, social status and feelings of worth, as they are
to do with the actual amount earned. By this I mean that principles are
jettisoned if such principles interfere with career progression or one's
position in the social hierarchy.
Whilst I have my own theories about why people are so anxious about their
status and career prospects, such opinions are too radical to introduce into
communications with the public on this matter. However, in response to
Jonathon's question 'How do we get past this stage?' I am currently
undertaking an MSc in Social research methods to understand how we might
move past this stage. I am focussing on motivating the parents of young
children to get scared about this topic, to awaken the protective instinct
in respect of the climate change issue because that protective instinct
seems one of the only social forces powerful enough to combat the other
forces driving people to behave in ways which create this crisis.
I doubt I will be very successful - the more I investigate the topic the
more I suspect concern for our children's welfare is a platitude, a myth we
live because we feel that is what parents do, but the reality of how parents
behave belies any genuine concern for the long term well being of our
children.
Perhaps the only solution is Aubrey's - policy which coerces rather than
voluntary abstinence from the good life.
Best
Chris Shaw
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jonathan Ward" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 01, 2006 9:35 AM
Subject: Re: The Way Ahead . . .
>a difficulty I find all too often is not understanding of the problem, or
>even awareness. it's acceptance and and the application of the awarness to
>indiviudals' choices. for instance, raise the issue of global warming with
>most people, they have a more than adequate understanding of where we are
>at, the seriousness of the situation and the role that they play in it. but
>should someone interject with a story about a holiday and the conversation
>could quickly change to cheap flights without any connection being made.
>
> people know my views on flying, know me well, but will still pass on
> 'great offers' for holidays, flights etc.
>
> how do we get past this stage?
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