On the other hand, those in power are often "educated" but terribly
misguided, ethnocentric, arrogant upper-class members insulated from the concerns of ordinary folks, often subservient to special interests,
often motivated by greed or extreme religious or ideological beliefs.
These are the "leaders" in society. Occasionally there is an exception
to these negative characteristics. "M.Weigand Thu, 23 Oct 2003
10:18:38"
-----------
From:"M.Weigand" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To:"Carrol Cox"
Subject : Re: The theory of universal competence
Date :Thu, 23 Oct 2003 10:18:38 -0600
Seems to me this is a more complex issue. Like many ideals, universal
competence is certainly a matter of degree, as is competence in any
occupation or endeavor. First, what do we mean by "ordinary people" who
participate in democracy? In rural agricultural societies, almost
everyone is "ordinary" and equally qualified, but in urban, industrial,
technological societies, the range of skills and competence varies
greatly. If we are speaking of "ordinary citizens", then this must mean
the roughly 75 percent of Americans who lack a college education. If
education is not considered important to good citizenship, then what is
a good substitute--having altruistic attitudes and values, a sense of
honesty and fair play I suppose.
But does American culture instill these attitudes and values and a
sense of honesty and fair play? I would suggest that it does not
(perhaps these virtues are given lip service in Sunday school for
children, but not in the marketplace). So we are left with a largely
uneducated electorate that is subject to what influences? Who would
seriously deny the impact of corporate and government propaganda on
public consciousness? So, I have serious reservations about any theory
of universal competence. Except in the case of
grass-roots inspired social movements, ordinary citizens represent the
"followers" in society, the "silent majority", the "apathetic masses"
etc., who are consumers rather than citizens.
On the other hand, those in power are often "educated" but terribly
misguided, ethnocentric, arrogant upper-class members insulated from the
concerns of ordinary folks, often subservient to special interests,
often motivated by greed or extreme religious or ideological beliefs.
These are the "leaders" in society. Occasionally there is an exception
to these negative characteristics.
I guess what I am suggesting is that in general, our political and
economic system produces neither good citizens nor good leaders.
Best wishes,
-=MW=-
__________
bwanika
url: www.idr.co.ug
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