An initial blueprint for dealing with dark times in this island-nation - Better world: Be nice to people - science-in-society - 19 September 2009 - New Scientist
In these times of uncertainty it sometimes seems hard to be kind. We are full of resentment towards the lack of sensibility in which the Puerto Rican government handled - still is - the fiscal crisis which such abandon to the human side of the equation.
We don't even know how to react, especially when job terminations hit so close to home and the possibility of economic deprivation and mental distress are real and very tangible. We cringe at the likeliness of social distress and violence in an island that does not need any more damaging to its collective psyche.
When things like the dismissal of over 16,000 government workers take place politics seem so trivial. We trust our politicians will do their best in terms of policy, only to be disappointed time and time again. And while it may seem to late to do something about it, it should at least give us pause to think about the consequences of voting for the sake of voting without giving a moment's thought about their proposals.
It should also compels us to reflect about the financial crisis that this island-nation faces. How did we come to this? How many PDP and NPP administrations regarded the government's money with such abandon? When did Puerto Rico become hostage to crediting agencies? When did Puerto Ricans as a people abdicated their prerogative to hold politicians and their political parties accountable?
Time will probably tell. Meanwhile, it seems cliché to repeat the words of our 'esteemed governor' that Puerto Ricans are a solidary people. I wonder if he understands the term, if he was ever deprived of the means with which to provide for his family, if he ever had to wake up in the middle of the night thinking how he's going to make ends meet (actually, he made some campaign ads about the same thing; remember?). I wonder if he knows what solidarity is. Has he ever comforted a co-worker in distress; sit to listen to the personal, economical and psychological struggles of a young man or woman trying to balance his/her life with university studies? Has he ever put himself in someone else's shoes.
I think not, nevertheless he's right, even if he does not understand the true meaning of the term, solidarity is imperative in these times. If ever there was a need for social, clinical, and counseling psychologists it is now. If ever there was a need for a community to embrace its members through non-profits groups, church, or solidarity networks, the time is now. If ever there was a moment to create a climate for a diversified short, medium and long term investment into the island's economy - though it may be late in the day - the time is now. If ever there was a time for small, medium and cooperative enterprises to raise their voices and say, 'there is another way' if you give us the chance to prove ourselves, if you provide the legislation and the policy climate, that time is now.
It may be a small comfort, but this article from New Scientist might be a blueprint for an attitude adjustment that is sorely needed. We need to show kindness to our friends, coworkers, and also to strangers in our everyday interaction. We also need to talk to each other, put politics, not aside, but beside us (we will need it for when we find solutions, or at least a way forward, and put those politicians to work when we do). But we need to do it with resolute, firm and, overall, a kind attitude.
Tell me what you think...
Better world: Be nice to people - science-in-society - 19 September 2009 - New Scientist
Shared via AddThis
We don't even know how to react, especially when job terminations hit so close to home and the possibility of economic deprivation and mental distress are real and very tangible. We cringe at the likeliness of social distress and violence in an island that does not need any more damaging to its collective psyche.
When things like the dismissal of over 16,000 government workers take place politics seem so trivial. We trust our politicians will do their best in terms of policy, only to be disappointed time and time again. And while it may seem to late to do something about it, it should at least give us pause to think about the consequences of voting for the sake of voting without giving a moment's thought about their proposals.
It should also compels us to reflect about the financial crisis that this island-nation faces. How did we come to this? How many PDP and NPP administrations regarded the government's money with such abandon? When did Puerto Rico become hostage to crediting agencies? When did Puerto Ricans as a people abdicated their prerogative to hold politicians and their political parties accountable?
Time will probably tell. Meanwhile, it seems cliché to repeat the words of our 'esteemed governor' that Puerto Ricans are a solidary people. I wonder if he understands the term, if he was ever deprived of the means with which to provide for his family, if he ever had to wake up in the middle of the night thinking how he's going to make ends meet (actually, he made some campaign ads about the same thing; remember?). I wonder if he knows what solidarity is. Has he ever comforted a co-worker in distress; sit to listen to the personal, economical and psychological struggles of a young man or woman trying to balance his/her life with university studies? Has he ever put himself in someone else's shoes.
I think not, nevertheless he's right, even if he does not understand the true meaning of the term, solidarity is imperative in these times. If ever there was a need for social, clinical, and counseling psychologists it is now. If ever there was a need for a community to embrace its members through non-profits groups, church, or solidarity networks, the time is now. If ever there was a moment to create a climate for a diversified short, medium and long term investment into the island's economy - though it may be late in the day - the time is now. If ever there was a time for small, medium and cooperative enterprises to raise their voices and say, 'there is another way' if you give us the chance to prove ourselves, if you provide the legislation and the policy climate, that time is now.
It may be a small comfort, but this article from New Scientist might be a blueprint for an attitude adjustment that is sorely needed. We need to show kindness to our friends, coworkers, and also to strangers in our everyday interaction. We also need to talk to each other, put politics, not aside, but beside us (we will need it for when we find solutions, or at least a way forward, and put those politicians to work when we do). But we need to do it with resolute, firm and, overall, a kind attitude.
Tell me what you think...
Better world: Be nice to people - science-in-society - 19 September 2009 - New Scientist
Shared via AddThis
Comments