- TOP 5 POSITIVE THINGS ABOUT "THE WEST"? -

I have been a bit criticial of "the west" in my recent posts so, in the interest of fairness and balanced viewpoints (yes, African virtues), I want to dedicate this one to discussing positive things in general about "the west".

There is inherent goodness in most human beings. No one is 100% perfect - except God Himself, and no one is 100% evil - except the Devil. So here's what I think are the Top Five Positive things about "the west":

5. Contribution to Globalization. Foreign Students / Immigrant Workers / Asylum seekers etc. Result is increased awareness and acceptance of human diversity at a global scale.

4. They are acknowledging their responsibility for Global Warming as the Earth's worst polluters (it's a start... Next we need to see action e.g. destruction of nuclear stockpiles and other WMDs)

3. Technical contributions to knowledge - the ones that were done ETHICALLY for the benefit of Earth's inhabitants.

2. Their participation in establishing the UN and promoting global structures for Humanitarian Assistance.

1. President Obama - because of his moderate views about global issues; his nuclear disamarment aspirations; his mixed heritage (hence no one can "claim" him) etc etc.

Actually I think the new (young) generations of westerners are more exposed, open-minded, inclusive and independent in their thinking/behavior than the older, generally ignorant and rigid populations.

What's your top 5?

Copyright 2010. Personal opinion...