The Armed Forces Journal has this to say about redrawing the boundaries of the Middle East. American armchair ethnology. Look into it.
Nobody in their right mind could believe that redrawing International Boundaries in modern times could be anything but bloody. It does, however, reinterate just how fluid national (and individual) identities can be. The creation of National myths seeks to reinforce the collective identity, and gives citizens something to believe. For example, during the Iran-Iraq war, the Iraqi government hired actors to grant 'visions' of the Twelfth Imam to troops, boosting morale. Soldiers on both sides were Shia.
Wahhabi Islam emanating from Saudi Arabia is changing traditional muslim identities the world over. Hajjis returning to their homelands bring with them ideas and concepts from the Holy Lands, acting as 'memetic fountains'. Traditional Islam in Indonesia and Malaysia is gradually being eroded by Meccan Islam. In Pakistan and India, Sufism is being denounced as too soft and theologically shaky, and the swift adoption of Wahabism. In Kashmir, where the purdah was restricted to upper class urban muslims AND hindus, the hijab has made swift inroads.
Petro dollars will do that to you.
Addendum: Steve Pinkler of Harvard on the evolutionary psychology of religion. Gene Expression also has something to say on the matter.
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6 comments:
oh well..evangelism and conversions are rampant these days. And as you know, i have no kind view of it. As a matter of fact, i have a very low opinion of religion as a whole, but then again, thats just me. What surprises me though, is in a day and age when human beings cry out for personal independence, many are so willing to give a lot of it up for a rigid structuring of their lives. They are so desperate to give up control, that this makes you see the whole God and his flock of sheep lines in a new light doesnt it? Perhaps it is a gene that triggers bizarre behavior like this?
Actually, there is some evidence that 'religion' is hardwired into the human brain... which is genetic. Perhaps I could write about it at a later point in time.
One thing, though... and I know this will interest you. One of the hottest areas in biology today is cognitive psychology, and its application to anthropology, molecular biology, evolution... you name it.
But back to the Middle East, its a reflection of the direction Africa might take, if left to fester. The fastest conversion rates in the world are in Africa. Think about it for a moment: Abject poverty + tribal mindset + beligerent theological indoctrination + western heavy handedness. The Middle East 60 years ago... and Africa today. You do the math.
yup! thats exactly what we need...more fanatics..i just cant have enough of them!
I am genuinely interested in this hard wiring of religion evidence..send me a link if you have one...
I've added to the post a link to a pretty comprehensive discussion on evolutionary psychology, a bit dated, but still relevant. Do read it and comment.
how come you havent posted anything this month?
Have had a hectic month... hopefully should be able to post in a few days.
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