Apr 8 2013: Hi Lamb Lamb
I agree with you that many people are not interested in public policy and will vote for governments that meet their basic needs. While governments should be firstly meeting the basic needs and rights of its people, it has the capacity to do more.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/political-science/2013/apr/05/experts-experimental-government?CMP=twt_gu th
This link discusses the issue of evidence required by government and the challenges of those in power to access and understand the evidence that may inform "good" policy. It also refers to good practice based on evidence.
My view is that those of us with the capacity to support and generate "good" evidence and "good" practice have an obligation to our fellow citizens to bring that to the attention of government either by the way we vote or the way we engage with government and fellow citizens. This is where our power lies if we believe that governments are capable of and willing to "keep us 'dumb'"
Thanks Lamb Lamb for your comment.
Apr 7 2013: There are fines for not voting. All those of eligible age are encouraged to register with the Australian electoral office and an electoral role is kept. I have always complied and am not aware of all the details around enforcing this but it seems that most citizens comply and take this "right/obligation" for granted.
Apr 7 2013: Hi Colleen,
The answer is that voting is compulsory in Australia. I would love to think that we voted on important issues rather than immediate needs, however many would say that is not the case. I do believe that compulsory voting is a way of getting a greater proportion of the population engaged in "important" issues but I have no evidence to back that up.
Our elections often seem to be "dumbed down" to issues of immediate material need despite the fact that we are, in the scheme of things, a fairly affluent country. We currently have a national " debate" over the funding of educational reform and the debate seems more focused on the cost of the reforms rather than finding a way to make it work. That in itself sounds like prioritising material needs over the educational future of our children. The long term consequence of stronger and more equitable educational opportunities is surely a good way to build economic prosperity and security for all citizens. This of course is particularly important for marginalised citizens who can then build their capacity (via education) to contribute and participate in the broader society.
Apr 3 2013: The democratic process in Australia insists that all eligible citizens vote. Does this make a difference? For example in relation to political campaigns and contributors trying to sway voting as well as voters. If you subscribe, as I do to the belief that voting citizens have power to choose their government based on what they see as the most important agenda issues (rather than which government is going to meet their most immediate material need), then we are as responsible for dumbing ourselves down as any government. I'd like to know more about what you are referring to George, in relation to the French and the schools Napoleon created. It is not something I know much about.
Mar 25 2013: Thanks for that perspective Bob. While Rafea's story is inspirational it doesn't reflect the experience of many other women. In answer to the debate question, goals and strategies aimed at addressing poverty on the larger scale are more likely to have that effect if they address the needs and circumstances of the wider community. I guess Rafea's story gathers interest and harnesses a sense of hope in those of us "looking on". Taking action is a different matter.
Mar 23 2013: Hi Holly
I work with children and families and have discovered some of my talents as a result. I am aware that I can't sing well but that doesn't seem to be a problem to the young children and carers who I work with. We have fun and no one feels threatened about contributing to our singing. Of course the singing is a means to an end (inclusion of children in a social and communicative activity) . I hope you enjoy your teaching degree and the directions it takes you in.
I think there is a time and place for choosing to just having a go and being part of something as well as being able to display and use our talents. I like to think we can earn "points" for effort and intentions as long as it is not too painful for others :) .
Mar 23 2013: My job supports my reality and meaning and that is what keeps me highly engaged with it. I am grateful to have the opportunity to earn an income In a way that is meaningful to me. It is also true that my job has informed my reality over the years and as Bob says, I feel my reality, meaning and purpose would be different had a I chosen a different career or line of study. While I am sure that there is an element of randomness to these " choices" I also feel that active decisions pull or push us in directions that are consistent with our own values if we let them and have the opportunity to do so..
Mar 23 2013: Thanks for your comments Bob. My comment was intended to build my understanding and although I may have sounded like I had drawn some conclusions, in fact, I am happy to engage in conversation.
I can see you are an experienced contributor to this site and I am keen to learn more.
I am from Sydney and have no direct experience with rural areas let alone undeveloped countries. My current understanding is limited to that which I can obtain from mainstream media (albeit selected ) and conversations with those who have had direct experience. I work in an area with a high population of new immigrants and refugees and enjoy hearing their stories and perspectives.
The description you give of the day to day experiences of women in cultures very different to mine is enlightening and it is that level of understanding I would like to build as well as realistic ( but hopeful - if that is possible) ideas on what and how a difference can be made for women like Rafea who have a desire for change.
Am I correct in saying that in answer to Sarah's question you would be inclined to say that the first avenue would be to address the issue at a community level with a focus on the impact of the local culture? I am very interested to know if I have interpreted your thoughts correctly and to learn more...
Kind regards
Ellen ( yes, female :))
Mar 19 2013: Bob, I'd like to know more about what you are implying? You refer to the differences between matriarchal and patriarchal society and I see your point. The hand that rocks the cradle certainly does have value. Are you suggesting therefore that you feel that hand should remain and therefore the mother/carer, in this case Rafea would be better to not leave her children to take up an opportunity to be educated elsewhere? By "better" I guess I could be talking about better for her, her children or her community and I guess the answer would be different in each case. In view of the conversation the issue we are addressing is poverty in the community. Or are you suggesting that her value and lasting influence can be enhanced by building her education and self worth (the latter is an observation on my part of how education changed Rafea). Of course neither of these interpretations may reflect your thinking so I'd love to hear more about your comment. Thanks.
Mar 10 2013: Thank you Sarah. I am new to TED conversations and this is my first post. My first reaction is to say that Rafea's journey in making the decisions that she did was driven by a strong sense of determination and belief in herself. I am not sure that educating the community first (as an alternative) could re-create this level of determination and passion for change that she was then able to use to inspire other women and hopefully the community as a whole. My perspective is not informed by any background other than being an educated woman in a privileged society. While I am grateful for being exposed to a very different context via this video I would be very grateful to hear from those more informed than myself.
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A reply on Conversation: Are governments interested in keeping us 'dumb'?
I agree with you that many people are not interested in public policy and will vote for governments that meet their basic needs. While governments should be firstly meeting the basic needs and rights of its people, it has the capacity to do more.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/political-science/2013/apr/05/experts-experimental-government?CMP=twt_gu th
This link discusses the issue of evidence required by government and the challenges of those in power to access and understand the evidence that may inform "good" policy. It also refers to good practice based on evidence.
My view is that those of us with the capacity to support and generate "good" evidence and "good" practice have an obligation to our fellow citizens to bring that to the attention of government either by the way we vote or the way we engage with government and fellow citizens. This is where our power lies if we believe that governments are capable of and willing to "keep us 'dumb'"
Thanks Lamb Lamb for your comment.
A reply on Conversation: Are governments interested in keeping us 'dumb'?
A reply on Conversation: Are governments interested in keeping us 'dumb'?
The answer is that voting is compulsory in Australia. I would love to think that we voted on important issues rather than immediate needs, however many would say that is not the case. I do believe that compulsory voting is a way of getting a greater proportion of the population engaged in "important" issues but I have no evidence to back that up.
Our elections often seem to be "dumbed down" to issues of immediate material need despite the fact that we are, in the scheme of things, a fairly affluent country. We currently have a national " debate" over the funding of educational reform and the debate seems more focused on the cost of the reforms rather than finding a way to make it work. That in itself sounds like prioritising material needs over the educational future of our children. The long term consequence of stronger and more equitable educational opportunities is surely a good way to build economic prosperity and security for all citizens. This of course is particularly important for marginalised citizens who can then build their capacity (via education) to contribute and participate in the broader society.
A reply on Conversation: Are governments interested in keeping us 'dumb'?
A reply on Conversation: Why Poverty? Is empowering Women at Rural Areas is the solution? or educating their community is more important as a first step?
A reply on Conversation: How does talent influence you and your choices in life?
I work with children and families and have discovered some of my talents as a result. I am aware that I can't sing well but that doesn't seem to be a problem to the young children and carers who I work with. We have fun and no one feels threatened about contributing to our singing. Of course the singing is a means to an end (inclusion of children in a social and communicative activity) . I hope you enjoy your teaching degree and the directions it takes you in.
I think there is a time and place for choosing to just having a go and being part of something as well as being able to display and use our talents. I like to think we can earn "points" for effort and intentions as long as it is not too painful for others :) .
A comment on Conversation: Is a persons reality, meaning, and purpose determined by their choice of study/job?
A reply on Conversation: Why Poverty? Is empowering Women at Rural Areas is the solution? or educating their community is more important as a first step?
I can see you are an experienced contributor to this site and I am keen to learn more.
I am from Sydney and have no direct experience with rural areas let alone undeveloped countries. My current understanding is limited to that which I can obtain from mainstream media (albeit selected ) and conversations with those who have had direct experience. I work in an area with a high population of new immigrants and refugees and enjoy hearing their stories and perspectives.
The description you give of the day to day experiences of women in cultures very different to mine is enlightening and it is that level of understanding I would like to build as well as realistic ( but hopeful - if that is possible) ideas on what and how a difference can be made for women like Rafea who have a desire for change.
Am I correct in saying that in answer to Sarah's question you would be inclined to say that the first avenue would be to address the issue at a community level with a focus on the impact of the local culture? I am very interested to know if I have interpreted your thoughts correctly and to learn more...
Kind regards
Ellen ( yes, female :))
A reply on Conversation: Why Poverty? Is empowering Women at Rural Areas is the solution? or educating their community is more important as a first step?
A comment on Conversation: Why Poverty? Is empowering Women at Rural Areas is the solution? or educating their community is more important as a first step?