While the USA responds to the terrorist acts of September 11th,
let me suggest there are some things we can do on an individual level to
wage an effective war against terrorism. For starters, here are three:
1. Cultivate a passion for geography
Pick any country you know little about; someplace that piques your
curiosity. Look for anything you can on it, i.e., books, videos, websites.
Take a course. Eat at ethnic restaurants. Go to lectures. Find an email
penpal in that country.
When you're up to snuff on that country, choose another and start
the process all over again. Continue doing this for the rest of your life.
2. Travel more abroad
Instead of spending discretionary income on a room addition, or a
theme park vacation, why not earmark it for international travel? Go outside
your comfort zone. Visit countries where most of the people live at a lower
material standard of living than we do in the USA. Learn about their daily
life. Listen to different perspectives without pre-judging or dismissing
them. Consider making changes in your own life, to reflect what you learn.
While abroad, be wise and prudent, but also open and friendly. Walk
through downtown shopping precincts, along riverbanks, and through parks.
Visit museums, zoos, natural wonders, castles and palaces. Talk to the local
people wherever you go. Immerse yourself in their culture rather than just
hanging out with other Americans at touristy places.
3. Choose to think globally
Become a student of global political, economic, and environmental
issues. Research whether or not your personal lifestyle choices may have a
negative impact somewhere else in the world.
Find ways to be both a loyal patriot, and an informed,
contributing world citizen as well. Study diplomacy. See if you can discover
past treaties or foreign policy decisions which put weaker states at a
disadvantage. Determine to support fair dealing in the future. Stand behind
leaders who have an international perspective.
This is just the tip of the iceberg
Actually, there is no limit to the positive steps we can take as
individuals. In fact, it may well be the collective effort of millions of
individuals doing the little things, which could ultimately be the strongest
weapon against future terrorist acts.
At least that's what I'd like to believe. Anyone else think so? Share your thoughts on the message board thread I've begun.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
