In the 2009 movie "Cooking with Stella," a decent Canadian couple moves to New Delhi, India to work at the Canadian High Commission. There they try to befriend the local staff, who in turn systematically steals as much as they can from them by any means possible. What I find truly disturbing about this movie is that it ends with the perps 'triumphantly' driving off with their ill-gotten gains: car, smart phones, cash. The implied message? Those who die with the most toys win; all's fair in the pursuit of bling.
An instructional video (~2010) by Lionel Laroche PhD
"Making connections between culturally different students and faculty" suggests that in hierarchical societies (most countries), it's 'normal' for people to do whatever it takes to get ahead (eg cheating on exams), whereas in egalitarian societies (Canada & USA), people show more respect for fairness, honesty, the greater good of society.
http://jobsearch.theworkingcentre.org/employer-expectations/919-diversity-canadian-workplace-lionel-laroche
Some cultures are infamous for considering the ability to
deceive others as the ultimate sign of sophistication and 'wisdom',
while honest, truthful people are misconstrued as simpletons. Even in Canada and the US, every day some business or government leader is convicted of swindling their fellow man. Is sleaze becoming the global non-culture?http://jobsearch.theworkingcentre.org/employer-expectations/919-diversity-canadian-workplace-lionel-laroche
Do those who lie and cheat actually think that people don't notice? Do they think their victims will 'understand'? Who doesn't actively avoid being lied to, robbed, and made a fool of?
How can individuals discover who they are - mature into quality human beings - when reliable guidelines and support systems for living a decent human life are rapidly disappearing?
How can individuals discover who they are - mature into quality human beings - when reliable guidelines and support systems for living a decent human life are rapidly disappearing?
"Why are we here? What is the meaning of existence? What truly matters
the most in life? To even begin to answer these questions, we must start
by exploring our own internal ideals, values, and beliefs." James Hollis
Hollis J. What Matters Most: Living a More Considered Life. Gotham, 2009.
Midlife - July 27, 2012 excellent episode of CBC radio's Tapestry with Mary Hynes
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| Photo: fotoselect www.dpreview.com |
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