Wasnt "divide and conquer" a Roman rather than a British assertion? But I
am not sure how "manifest destiny" plays in modern society. We clearly had
it in the earliest part of the Americas but I am not sure if we could call
sending missionaries over to third world nations as being neocolonialist.
I mean the point of colonization was to take over the land and cultures of
indiginous populations, but I dont think missionaries are out to do that.
Foreign policy may have something to do with the 'neocolonial' conquering
of third world nations far more detrimentally than any religious
missionary (and this is coming from an atheist who doesnt believe in any
form of religious practice!) could possibly assert. I believe that
countries that are wealthy should lend a helping hand, but not necessarily
conquer the culture therein. American society and culture is rather
damaging I must admit but I dont think it is necessarily the fault of
missionaries-it is much more insidious of the large corporations like the
tobacco corporations practices of infiltrating third world nations with
free cigarettes to get the people addicted.
My 2 cents,
Bertina
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
On Mon, 8 Mar 1999, Lela Schneidman wrote:
> I saw a mention of neocolonialism float by in these discussions. and i thought
> i might ask you to talk about this theory in more depth. i'm writing a term
> paper about neocolonialism in the 20th century and its effect on africa and the
> philippines. part of my thesis is to relate American neocolonialist practice to
> our sense of "manifest destiny." why do you think we send modern missionaries
> to these poor, third world nations? how is this form of colonialism just as
> detrimental and oppressive as the British "divide and conquer?" and what do you
> think our true motives are? is it really moral imperatives which keep us
> sending troops to underdeveloped nations, or is it always economic? how is
> giving aid to these people another method of control?
> i would just like to hear your opinions on these issues, as you all seem to be
> intelligent and opinionated people. hopefully, we can spark some discussion.
> and if anyone has any book or article ideas, it would be much appreciated.
> thanks everyone.
> peace
> Lela Schneidman
>
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