Futurist Reading Response Paper #1

Futurist Readings: The Meaning of the 21^st Century Response Paper

In his book, The Meaning of the 21^st Century, James Martin states, “The only chance for survival is peaceful coexistence, but many cultures resist coexistence.” (Page 265) This line stood out to me because of that one word, ‘coexistence’. The ability to coexist with others is a trait that I have always admired in people. When one can step back, acknowledge that others are different, and accept that, they are already so far beyond the majority of people. With the help of technology and its ever-increasing advancements, we have been able to learn about and interact with other cultures. Being able to do this allows for coexistence. When we are informed we are able to understand those that share this world with us.

Telephones and e-mails have given us access to those who are far away. Whether we ourselves are speaking to other cultures, or the researchers of today are doing it for us, we are now able to learn about them faster than ever. We can sit down and ask Google a question or we can travel at speeds that were once never imagined. Technology today has allowed us to have the world and all that it contains at our fingertips. This can be a good or a bad thing. When we learn about others, we may disagree with the way they live their lives or the morals they have, but how we react to these differences is what truly matters. Clashing civilizations have caused many wars, and to prevent these wars we must learn to coexist.

In today’s world we are blessed with the ability to learn about others. James Martin explains, “In past history, “civilizations” have been confined geographically, had high degrees of autonomy and have tended to have very limited contact with other civilizations. Before the age of colonialism, many civilizations had no idea that others existed.” (Page 265) Obviously, times have changed, but the question is, ‘Do we appreciate this knowledge?’ Clashing civilizations have made it seem as though we do not. The more clashing that there is, the more trouble is being stirred, and the chance of survival is being lessened.

“The Internet enables troublemakers to unite and can stir up the passions of many people.” (Page 265) The Internet has done some good, but along with the good has come the bad. James Martin mentions that we are in “an era where an individual can decide to join a terrorist network.” (Page 265) In addition to terrorist networks, there are hate sites, chat rooms, forums, and many other networks that could be used to interact and allow for coexistence, but are being used to tear that hope down. The access that we now have to others needs to be treated with care. With the ease at which we can speak to other cultures and learn about them, comes the ease to negate and judge them.

My favorite quote is by Wade Davis. I had one of my best friends paint it onto some canvas, and it is now hanging above my bed. “The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you, they are unique manifestations of the human spirit.” That quote reminds me every day to think before I speak and before I judge. It reminds me to watch what I say online, through email or Facebook. It reminds me that I must strive to learn about others instead of forcing them to think like me. This is a hard thing to do. I feel that technology has made it easier for me, by allowing me to learn about others far away or those that I go to this school with. But I also feel that technology has made it easier to destroy friendships or judge others based on what I see online.

Coexistence may be impossible to reach, but I feel that as long as we are striving for it, we are becoming better people.