In a message dated 8/11/99 11:03:13 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<<This century is marked by unparalleled human cruelty, ethnopolitical
conflict,
and genocide.>>
Your proposal was interesting and the main point is well taken. However, I
don't believe that the statement above is true, especially if you include
indigenous peoples conflicting with colonial and other powers (not to mention
each other). Spaniards and Aztecs, Mongols, Crusades, Americans and Natives,
there are examples as far back as has ever been known. Even before the
technology of the current century, acts of genocide have taken millions of
lives. In fact, I believe we are actually more humane in our cruelty
compared to previous centuries. The fact is that "human cruelty" and
"genocide" are historically part of our make-up and we have been good at it
(as a species) for a very long time. This is part of your main point, I
know. But, this century is by no means unique in number, nor severity. In
fact, it may be slightly less so.
My .02
RJ
