Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Why do some people think they know what is good for others?

It is a part of one’s life to expect to receive something in return for their actions. In our society, there is always someone who thinks that he knows better which is why he teaches those under to him to do some actions. An example of this is the care and support that our parents continually give us. We know that our parents want the best for us and though their intentions are good, we tend to break away from what they are asking us to do. They know best- but we occasionally disobey them because we think that they lack judgement and understanding with what we are going through. A huge part of us thinks that they give us advice based on their experiences which are old, making it incompatible with our present problem. We treat their advice as intrusions and that they do this to limit us from what we want to do. As a result, we have this thirst for independence and aims to defend our integrity (Inayatullah, 2009).

A bigger picture of the example I just stated is the way policy makers from rich countries feel compelled to teach others how to manage their resources and respective institutions. We have International agencies such as the World Bank, who guides all financial institutions per state for peace and order. It is in human nature to do good to others. This is exactly the trail of thought why we believe that providing what is best for others essential especially in human responsibility. However, why is it that when someone teaches us or shows us guidance, we think that we are guarded? And they’re just there because they want to become superior over us? Due to this negative effect, we stop ourselves from warning others. In that case, are we denying our full humanity since it is natural for people to do good in relation to those around him (Inayatullah, 2009)?

There are two contemporary interventions in history: one from Euston Manifesto and the other one from Robert Cooper. Euston Manifesto reformed the left. He believed that cultural variation means that some communities failed to learn about the modern life. These people reject what is good. Inayatullah (2009) mentions that the Manifesto writers did not care about the powerful and how they use ideals as masks to eliminate the powerless. They firmly believe that modernity and democracy that is free and liberal will benefit the people. Robert Cooper from the right, in the other hand presented arguments that jumpstart imperialism and colonialism. According to Cooper, postmodernity is the most advanced stage among the three civilizational stages. Postmodern, he said, is the full realization of modernity (Inayatullah, 2009).

Exclusive knowledge is the belief that we have superior knowledge. Inayatullah (2009) says that the need for superiority emerges from the doubt that maybe we are inferior to others. Superior or the act of knowing more as compared to others turns good intentions into charitable arrogance at times depending on how others see it. But what is the issue with superiority? Inayatullah (2009) posits that when we emphasize what is good for those around us, we only avoid in order to face the pain of our own lack. People give because they need to receive, because the people lack knowledge.

We are all donors and receivers. We are all victims of exclusive knowledge and the ultimate challenge is to change our way of thinking that those who “know more” and teach us wants to remain superior over us because it is possible that they only want to do good. The cycle of mutual incrimination must be transformed into a cycle of mutual enrichment (Inayatullah, 2009). This is what I think should be the case. People must always see the best in others because it is in human nature that individuals are good. This can be related to several key players in the role of globalization today. Governments, multination corporation, etc will always play an important role in relation to its own home country and for globalization to work, there should not be anyone superior and inferior. Exclusive knowledge cannot be eliminated but I believe that what we should change is our way of thinking itself to develop as one nation. In the light of globalization that is emerging nowadays, people must learn how to live in relation with one another. Accept, be open-minded and explore ideas. Knowledge is broad and no one entity knows everything. It is our role to guide those around us, to do good and to establish strong relations in the outbreak of globalization.

Source:
Inayatullah, N. (2009). How Why do some people think they know what is good for others?. Global politics: A new introduction. London: Routledge.

No comments:

Post a Comment