[Ailist] Positive Core of America

[Roger Davies]

Hi Robyn
 
Also being a 'resident alien' but from the UK I understand some of what you
say. I would also say that a lot of what I find good about the US is also
present in most other parts of the world as is, unfortunately most of the
bad.

In answer to your questions:

America's positive core:  Compared to the UK I find a better appreciation of
success in the US at all levels. In the UK success is accepted much more
begrudgingly. I also appreciate that the US is built on communities being
independent and a need to look after oneself compared to Europe where
historically someone will always look after you. I think the positive
acceptance of independence and success are two of the great US traits.

Opportunities for justice, equity and equality?- I find the US is much more
polarized than the UK. I guess the strong sense of independence leads to a
strong sense of defense of one's own beliefs. If I picked two opportunities
one would be for the US to become more open to learning about the views and
history of other cultures in order so that they can reflect on their own.
I've yet to see the schools teach my kids anything of history outside of the
US. I would not want the US or any other nation to ignorantly tolerate other
cultures, but I fear that the supposed acceptance of religious freedom in
the US is precisely that. There is a huge difference between tolerance and
understanding which leads me to my second point. That is to do a similar
thing on the international stage. Engage other nations in constructive
understanding with a view to creating more future opportunities to work
together. This is not appeasement of nations with poor human rights records
or aggressive stances but it is a recognition that the US value system is
not the only one with any potential to succeed. From a European perspective
' it's not whether you win or lose that matters, it's how you play the game'
however the US perspective seems to be 'winning is all that matters'.

In ten years time I would like the US to be perceived as a nation that not
only states that it 'the land of the free' but actually consistently acts
that way and allows other nations to follow their own path to a freedom that
is respectful of their own culture and history. I also believe that it has
to be a nation that recognizes that a lack of basic social welfare for the
very poorest and under privileged does not uphold freedom. I would not want
the US to become a welfare state with the same easy access that allows the
UK's system to be abused. However, a just and human society looks after its
members; otherwise we are little better than a pack of animals. Freedom does
not give one the right to ignore one's responsibilities.


Roger

-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Robyn
Stratton-Berkessel
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 3:16 PM
To: Ailist Inquiry
Subject: [Ailist] Positive Core of America

Dear AI community,

I am a 'resident alien' of the US after marrying my German-born, American
husband.  My Australian cultural imprint is strongly inclined to fight for
the underdog.  We have tendency to "knock down tall poppies", to be
irreverent and anti-authoritarian.

I have been willing regime change for just about the whole 9 years I've
lived here, so during that time, I have been, at times, quite
"unappreciative" and a done my fair share of " **** bashing" - another of
our not so generous cultural constructs.

So now that has all passed, I'm seeing the best in America, which fills me
up with energy and optimism and hope.  I see such opportunities for us to
co-construct.  The shift in what we are now paying attention to leads to a
whole new set of discoveries, dreams, designs and destiny.

So I would like us to reflect on the following questions:

What are the best and highest qualities that represent America's "positive
core"?
What areas offer America the greatest possibilities to bring about justice,
equity and equality?
And, in 10 years, how would we like all global citizens to perceive us?

Appreciatively,

Robyn.

Robyn Stratton-Berkessel
Creator, Positive Matrix www.positivematrix.com Founder, L.I.T. Global
www.litglobal.com
+1 732 291 0462
+1 917 816 5597 (mobile)
Skype: robynsb

_______________________________________________
The Appreciative Inquiry Discussion List is hosted by the David Eccles
School of Business at the University of Utah. Jack Brittain is the list
administrator. For subscription information, go to:
http://mailman.business.utah.edu:8080/mailman/listinfo/ailist