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Blog Entry 1 of 23 Conscious Evolution and the World Around You.

This blog will discuss the idea of conscious evolution and how world events may impact that personal or global process. It will also discuss clashing cultural aspects and what we can do to see past our differences and work towards acceptance of our fellow human beings.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~MichaelKilmanblog

The Other

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Contributed by: Michael Kilman on 1/5/2008

It is easy to get caught up in the anti-middle east mindset these days.

Many aspects of our culture have now pushed us to be suspicious of anyone who fits within the frame that has been created. However we must pay attention and be aware that this is nothing new. Having an "other" or a foe is a societal norm in this world. That of course does not make it right.

If we take a look back at history we will see that there is a constant focus of an enemy in this society. Before the terrorist was the Communist and the Red Scare, before that was the Nazi, before that was Native Americans. No matter how far you go back you will always find that there is an enemy.

So the question is why? Why should having an "other" be a societal norm? Having an other can be a useful political tool for those in power. This "other" takes the focus on current domestic problems. It also helps a politician to unite a group of people against something and gives them something to rally against.

But it is not just a political motivation. It is also easier to group people in a nice package then doing our own investigation of the real motives, thoughts, and ideas of the individuals within the other society, or group. It is easy to give thoughts only to our own belief structures and believe that we are the only ones who are right then it is to accept that fact that someone else's world view, though different may in fact also be just as right as our own.

Frightening though it may be, we must learn to accept the fact that just because someone lives or believes differently then us, that does not make it wrong. Of course there are injustices in the world, or course there are people who are selfish, and those who cause others to come to harm.

But within a culture this is rarely the majority. The vast majority of Muslims are not terrorists. It is so much easier from an outsider perspective to see the bad rather then the good in another culture, because seeing only the bad makes us right and them wrong.

It is important to remember that other countries and cultures do the same thing as we do. As a human race we should try not to look on anyone with the standard stereotypes that we have been fed through both the media and raised to believe. It is best to think of aspects of our own culture and the stereotypes on us, then ask yourself, does anyone really fit into this description?

As long as we remain aware that no one ever fits accurately into any stereotype then we as a race can begin to move past these ideas and begin working together to help make this world a better place.

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Submitted By: Joseph Kirchmer

posted on 1/5/2008 @ 4:33:24 PM

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Michael Kilman

Castle Rock , CO

Michael Kilman has posted 23 blog entries and 16 comments since joining on 1/5/2008. Michael Kilman 's average blog rating is 5.

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