Survey for school- all help greatly appreciated!

CSGnet Archive CSG1996
1

Hi Chris;

Yes

Anarchy as a rule is ultimately distructive (when viewed from a
histroical perspective), howver the internet seem to "fly in the face"
of previous experience.

Though I am sure that there is a goodly measure of wishful thinking here
on my part...

It seems to me that the internet, if allowed to continue unmolested by
"controlling agencies" such as governments, will enable people with very
different cultural backgrounds to learn to respect each other first and
then their differences.

Much of what we consider as our cultural heritage is not defendable in a
rational arguement against the cultural heritage of others. Such
cultural "standards" are important becuase a _standard_ is (at least
perceived to be) important but it is often largely nothing more than a
matter of opinion as to _which_ standard should be used (ie: It really
does not likely matter which side of the road one drives on as long as
everyone agrees to the same standard).

I believe that the internet has already helped people to see that some
of their "hard, firm" beliefs are not fundamental requirements for a
civilized society. This kind of understanding leads one to be not only
tolerant but fully accepting of that which is "only" different.

When one fully accepts the beliefs and customs of another one also does
not then try to impose one's own beliefs and customs.

ยทยทยท

--
bill leach
b.leach@worldnet.att.net
ars KB7LX

2

No, th Internet will not end al cultural diversity. It will have two
effects: It will change every culture it touches, and so create more
connections between cultures than ever before. Tha may wipe out some
cultures that are not sufficiently bordered or defined to maintain their
integrity. But it and the technologies which surround it will also tend to
reward distinctiveness -- the value of the internet and value in the info
economy tends to be maximized by bringing together differentness. The old
industrial economy was the great equalizer -- it decimated every culture it
touched. The new economy, by expanding communications, can accelerate that
process by bringing the ideas and technologies of industry to many more
people. So for some generations there will be a loss of some cultures as the
world is Disneyfied and WalMarted. But that's because the technologies are
new, their costs in loss of diversity are not fully appreciated, and cultural
barriers and defense mechanisms are not yet in place. Gradually the value of
other cultures will become more compelling -- it's already happening in odd
ways. Your paper is an example. Its an outgrowth of a growing movement of
people concerned about the loss of cultural diversity.

I know that doesn't begin to answer your question fully, but maybe it gives
you a taste of my opinion. Send a copy of your findings if you have the
opportunity.