What does Progress look like, or is it a blank slate of cultural destruction that disguises itself in favor of group claiming to be its advocates?
Every country wants to progress economically, but what do we lose in the pursuit of economic “stability”?
Is cooperating with the U. S essential for countries to progress?
Who/What decides the expendable aspects of our culture, and how do we justify it?
Are progressive ideas always good?
How do we keep our traditions while acknowledging their limitations?
These are the questions our leaders should be asking whenever they use the word “Progress” because we consume ourselves with its ideals that we forget about the possible side effects.
There are several historical examples of the stigmatization of traditions and cultures throughout history:
- Mao’s Cultural Revolution in China
- Stalin’s Dictatorship in Russia
These two men were in favor of Pro Communist Marxist governments; they wished to free their countries from the religious and historical shackles that restricted their country from …. progress. Their endeavors had terrible consequences for the people dimmed expendable.
- The displacement of Tibetans along with the destruction of ancient traditions.
- Mass starvation of Millions of People.
In the west, we are going through a nullification of traditions. Less and less of us are conscious of our own histories and we are absorbed into the dominant culture as if we were being abducted in order for the experiment of progress to make its way through our psychics convincing us that it’s okay to let go. To let go of the traditions that placed us here. But there are gray areas, and these examples have reasonable arguments on either side.
- The Far left Vs.Nationalist
- The United States vs. The World
The Far left Vs. Nationalist
In opposition to the Far left’s perception of progress is the idea of Nationalism; the two ideas lie on the ends of the social morality spectrum.The principals of nationalism are associated with the traditional values that led the country down the path of prosperity such as:
- National Pride
- Christian Faith
- Freedom of Speech
- Strength
- Capitalism
- Pro-White policies
But these “traditional” values have several connotations, and to some, these values are divisive and discriminating. And for the most recent wave of immigrants, these values do nothing but perpetuate the most horrific of traditions in the US; oppression, however, we can’t deny the power they had in shaping the country.
The United States vs. World
The United States spreads its sphere of influence by saturating the market with Western ideas of Miley Cyrus convincing the world that following our outline is the most progressive and “cool” thing to do. For many people in these developing countries these ideas are toxic, yet for some, the American values have allowed them to thrive in the global economy. These are just a few countries that have benefited economically from incorporating American culture into their own societies.
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Taiwan
- Israel
- Germany
- Australia
- China
However, behind all the bright lights and twerking videos lies a dark side to the United States.
- Consumerism
- Materialism
- Degradation of Sacred Values
- Nationalism
- Economic exploitation
- Racism
- Radical liberal ideals
It’s easy to define the meaning of progress when the environment favors a particular group, but for those of us that face different circumstances; progressive policies that benefit a few while harming many is regressive. Western societies are notorious for they’re secular and liberal views toward progress, but developing countries are not yet in the right position to hold these ideals.
- Developing Countries = Poverty stricken + Higher rates of Religiosity + Inefficient social services + Poor leadership + internationally exploited + Higher rates of Crime + Poor infrastructure + Less Access to Quality Education + Lack of traditional Job opportunities etc.
For nations that suffer disproportionate levels of poverty their traditional values of religion, family, community, and loyalty still hold true because they yet to reap the benefits of progress. The struggles these developing nations face are in direct opposition to liberal progressive values, yet we look down on them with condemnation. But what these countries lack in GDP they make up for in:
- Authenticity
- Family Values
- Community
- Social/Mental Health
- Appreciative Disposition
Even though we are moving away from traditional values they still exist; just not so much in the west. So as we move farther away from our roots and our desire for knowledge progresses us forward, we must recognize the values that taught us unity, expression, love, and happiness; because within them, we’ll know the way to true progress.