[Ailist] re positive core of America

[Leif Josefsson]

We are approaching, as I see it, a couple of core issues

   - The need to break out from an American (but also "Western") frame if we
   are to make this a global community
   - Daring to open up to larger issues, even with the risk of being
   controversial.
   - Possibly also more clearly open up to us who do not have English as
   first language.

The "American framing" i hard to break out from.

Here in Sweden the publicity around the American primaries, and the
presidential election almost surpassed even our own elections.  It there was
an election in India, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, we would hardly know
about it. We watch American TV shows and go to movies for American films.
American English has become second language to us as we read the
translations in subtitled TV and Cinema screens.  Other languages has become
uninteresting.  Swedish youngsters are no longer learning German, Spanish,
French.  But perfectly bilingual in Swedish/English

To break out of this frame would make the world a much more interesting
place for us all.

But then it is also a responsibility for us who are not anglo/americans to
let our voices be heard and to contribute out of our own experience and
cultures.  I  hardly see any European postings here.

So if this discussion can lead to an international perspective with more
voices heard from Africa, Asia, South America & Europe - then something
great has happened.

(And as usual for Europeans (and Europeans in heart) register at
www.networkplace.eu for the *Begeistring Organizations network* (around
Appreciative Inquiry and Strength Based Change)

Finally some curious questions:

   - How many people subscribe to the AI List?
   - How many countries are represented in the list?

Have a good day.  Det är spännande att delta i denna diskussion.

Leif Josefsson
Stockholm, Sweden



On Wed, Mar 18, 2009 at 7:03 AM, Anderson Fumulani <anderson at sdnp.org.mw>wrote:

> Dear All
> Sue raises a good point and very critical for the global participation on
> this AI list.
> As a matter of fact, this topic has been running for so long that some of
> us
> non-Americans feel almost alienated.
>
> I recall recently one AIer from South Africa or from Africa raised an issue
> about how those of us novices from the developing world can also benefit
> from the list. If my memory serves me right, there was no response or very
> little if any which vindicates Sue's point.
>
> Anderson Fumulani
> Malawi - Southern Africa
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
> [mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Sue Derby
> Sent: Wednesday, March 18, 2009 3:12 AM
> To: ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
> Subject: [Ailist] re positive core of America
>
> Hi All. My understanding of the AI List Serve is that it is intended to be
> Global in focus. The discussion around positive core of America, while
> valuable overall, is a topic that alienates those of us who are unable or
> who choose not to contribute to this conversation.  I recall a few years
> ago
> when the entire conversation when to the American priorities, political
> arena.
>
> My ask is that if this listserve is indeed to serve the broader community
> of
> AI practitioners, that we steer away from what some of us might consider
> "political conversations" and stick to what we value and what we have
> wishes
> for in this world.
>
> My understanding in participating in the AiListServe was to contribute to
> the AI community and make every effort to withold my own gain whether than
> be monetary or otherwise. Would you be willing to clarify if that is still
> the case or we are making this arena a free for all for politcal agendas?
> (including Canadian??!)
>
>
> Thanks. Sue Derby
>
> Sue Derby
> Clockwork Communications
> 50 Forest Ave, Hamilton L8N 1X1
> 905-527-2181
> www.thesumoexperience.com
>
> Upcoming SuMo Public Workshops in Toronto:
> Engaging Employees in Turbulent Times - April 2, 2009
> AI Foundations with Jane Magruder Watkins - June 9-12, 2009
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-- 
Leif Josefsson
Förenklare / Facilitator
LeanderLeander AB
Communicate & Change
Ölandsgatan 48 - 116 63 Stockholm - tel +46 (0)70-773 00 54

www.leanderleander.com