Where are we going...

national | public consultation / irish social forum | opinion/analysis Saturday September 11, 2004 11:40 by Tom olearys at oceanfree dot net

...and why do we want to get there so quickly?

"Every daring attempt to make a great change in existing conditions, every lofty vision of new possibilities for the human race, has been labeled Utopian."

- Emma Goldman

As we enter another season of newfound campaign promises and strategies for change, how many of us are aware of the future vision of our society; for our children, our grandchildren and our great-grandchildren? Every successful organisation creates a vision to guide its growth and evolution. Certainly our society has one to help guide us. Or do we? Unfortunately, as a natural occurrence within a democratic government, partisan politics inhibits the creation of a societal vision that is appealing to everyone. How then, can we successfully navigate our society toward a mutually desirable future?

Ireland's cultural evolution during the past decade was driven by copycat strategies and initiatives rather than by a focus on a cultural vision. Rather than forge our own unique path, capitalising on natural and indigenous talents and potentials; our strategy for growth was steered by benchmarks from America, England, and France. Reality television programmes, fad cuisine, cafe culture, and popular music production are but some examples of growth areas that developed by copying recipes already written. Moreover, our own creative and indigenous pursuits were thwarted by our attempts to mirror the achievements of other cultures. We became followers rather than leaders. We wanted something that others had rather than created something that others wanted.

It is possible to create a universally supported vision in an organisation, like our society, hosting a variety of beliefs and viewpoints. The foundation of such a vision is constructed by those core desires shared by all within a complex society; such as health, comfort, freedom, access and safety. Special interests can be accommodated above this foundation as necessary to allow for individual expression, spirituality and fulfillment.

It seems as though we are rushing forward without a compass. Where are we going and why do we want to get there so quickly? I challenge the current and forthcoming leaders of our society to step back and give some thought to the ultimate destination of our path forward. The journey will be much more direct that way.