Role-Play Debate for course EngC 1015

Thousands of years of history have changed before. For example, the position of women in society. Women were oppressed in various cultures for easily two thousand years. Did we learn that woman can never be equal to men from our thousands of years of history. No, it was a bad situation that was partially rectified by the sexual revolutions of the early 1900s, and the 1960s. If any, what the thousands of years of history show us is that we have to work harder to get alone, and that we have to resist saying that we'll never have what we want.
As far as religion goes, at least 1/3 of the world believes in the exact same god. The "God of Abraham" is the god of Christians, Jews and Muslims. What's more striking is that these three groups share three "core" values. All belive in one God, that God is all powerful, and that they must carry on the will of God.
Who says that such courtesy would be uncomfortable? Wouldn't knowing that people who have different beliefs and values respect yours for the sole reason that you respect theirs? It may start with uncomfortable courtesy, but with work and understanding we might just be able to succeed.

I thought the happy-go-luckiness of this article was a nice change from all the negativity throughout the articles we have read so far.

But personally, the idea that for once in our lives we put away all of our differences and try to act like caring human beings was reassuring. There are very few people that can say the only thing they want to do with their life, is to cause pain and agony to others. If for once people could just agree to disagree and live with others no matter what their view, maybe something positive could get done, like all the starving people in this world could get help. The possibility of this happen is basically zero, and I think the author was just trying to over-exaggerate the idea of people coming together

I agree that there is a constant state of conflict throughout the world. I think that often, conflict spurs more progress that cooperation. However, I think moving towards cooperation the improvement of human conditions is important.

We can dream can't we? This is obviously out of the comprehension of all of us right now but I could see it happening way down the road from now. Some nations aren't going to buy into it right away but if some of the major countries in the world found common ground others would follow. To think of the world under one set of laws or "ethics" is kind of scary to me. If someone got too much power just think of the corruption it could cause.

Have to agree with Jared on this one. The idea of the whole whole sharing one idea is outrageous. It is absolutly impossible for everyone to agree on one thing, especially when it involves religion. Now, for example, look at the situation in Isreal. There is always constant fighting and someone dies there everyday, why? It is because of all of these differences in culture, religion, and personal values. Also, the truth is that there has been fight in that region of the world since pretty much the beginning of time. I would hope by now that people would have tried to come to some agreement. Everytime it has turned up the same result, fighting and more conflict. It is humerous to think everyone can come together on an issue. Now the challenge is how do we fix these rough and often violent conflicts. I think that the approach we need to take is to understand our differences and not be so ignorant like we are now. How many people know even just a few things about the religions we are currently in conflict with in Iraq? Probably not the average American. By learning about other cultures and showing proper respect we can live together in a better world community. These cultural differences make us who we are and give us an identity, so why would we ever throw it away?

Jared, I too had difficulty with this essay. What Kung had to say did not bother me as much as how poorly his ideas were presented.

His excessive use of vague claims for a "global ethic" had no substance beyond "being nice" and striving toward some undefined sense of human rights. This lack of clarity in his language gave it a very juvenile tone, which made me take it less seriously. I did try to keep in mind that the piece may have lost some of it substance in translation, but overall I found the essay ineffective in convincing me.

I must admit, however, that I do believe that an interanational declaration of human rights is worthy of contemplation. The United Nations has presented a version that is still in need of revision but is a start. Then again, these declarations are undermined when powerful countries like the US do not follow their guidelines.

Kofi Annan has written some essays on this topic. His presentation of ideas warrants serious consideration of the idea, much more than Kung's writing does.

It is true that this does seem a little out of reach. The fact that everyone is supposed to get along and embrace eachother just isn't possible in the world we live in. However, being an optimist never hurt.

At the core it is a good idea, helping globalization by helping and appreciating others, is in my opinion awesome. What a world it would be.

Just remember the glass is always half full.

I'm with you Jared. This new world of globalization is not for the weak of heart. Some people will get hurt, others will amass amazing wealth. Life sucks its not fair. The only thing that we can do as individuals in this fast paced era of globalization is watch out for ourselves. I wish everyone could get along, but making yourself very vulnerable for that cause just isn't worth the risk.

I completely agree. There will never not be fighting in the world. Even i fight with some of my best friends on a regular basis. It's simply impossible to agree with everyone all the time.

It's so awesome that people think this guy is unrealistic... cause he definitely is! There is no time, no place, no way that everybody could ever get along. People are proud of diversity and being different. Everyone's been telling me since I was a little kid to just be yourself. You shouldn't have to be like anyone else. In your life, you need to express your opinions and beliefs even though it may not be the "right thing" to do. I believe that if there was no conflict in our world, what would we do? There'd be no need for a government, military, security personnel, etc. Diversity brings so much to the world and arguing over topics is a good thing! Kung is being irrational saying that everyone can find a global consensus and live by it. It's so frustrating to read it since it's implausible!