Diversity (and, therefore, democracy), as a worldview, suffers from an inherent flaw: it can be subverted and subsequently destroyed by the opposing worldview, which, for the sake of argument, I want to call 'fundamentalism'. Oddly, a diverse worldview has, by definition, to accept as valid the worldview that believes that it is the one and only valid approach, and, that, consequently, is dedicated to the dismantling and ultimate destruction of the worldview that embraces it.
Among the many groups who espouse the monolithic worldview are those we characterize as 'radical, fundamentalist Muslims' like, for example the Al-Qaida or the Taliban in Afghanistan. Inviting these folks into a power-sharing arrangement (as happened with Hamas in Palestinian territories) may very likely result in the dismantling of democratic institutions and the transformation of personal freedoms into something quite unrecognizable.
It seems so simple for us in the West (particularly those of us in the US) to wag our fingers and go 'tsk-tsk' (with a certain air of superiority) at those who use these methods to undermine the rights and freedoms of others — while, at the same time, promoting those same beliefs and attitudes in their own lives. It all begins with an arrogant and self-serving attitude that says, "I am enlightened, and you are ignorant." From there, the step to "You are out of line and you must conform" is incredibly small. Fundamentalism is conceived in hubris and gives birth to black-and-white thinking and behavior.
Fundamentalism — regardless if it's philosophical, religious, political or social — imposes a necessarily static worldview: 'This is the way things always were, the way things are, and the way things must always be.' Only infidels and heretics may disagree. There's no room for evolution in a fundamentalist worldview. There's no room for growth or development. There's no room for freedom of expression or varieties of opinion or worldview. Everything appears fixed, understandable, unchanging, and clear. God no longer moves with a wildness of Spirit, but simply sits passively in a conveniently-sized box allowing His 'servants' to exercise their judgment of approval or condemnation.
Does it matter who instigates a crusade? Whether it's mounted in a family, a faith, a culture or a country, it springs from the same cultural attitudes: 1) power-distance: authority is to be honored and obeyed; 2) individuality: individual freedoms must be sacrificed to the needs of the group; 3) masculinity-femininity: aggressive competition trumps respectful cooperation; 4) uncertainty toleration: dissent or questioning is disallowed; 5) say-or-do: conformity of words hides contrary behavior. Is this what we want in our families? in our businesses? in our society? in our country? in our world? The effects are there for those who have eyes to see: the choice is ours.
H. Les Brown, MA, CFCC
Copyright © 2008 H. Les Brown
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