Root change required?

I rarely talk about politics and it will certainly be a first for this blog.  Cycling, beer and cars are the main topics here.

For one thing, I live in Northern Ireland.  Westminster politics seems far removed and of little consequence as I cannot vote for the parties involved, whilst, not being from Northern Ireland, local politics seems pretty much beyond my comprehension other than now being some what of a stitch up between the big two.

Furthermore, politics seems to be outside my “circle of influence”.  I don’t really see the point of wasting a lot of energy on things that I am unlikely to be able to change – I just concentrate on the stuff around me that I can.

It also seems to me that politics has been boiled down by the media to a few simple things – like “Cameron evil”, “it’s all the bankers fault”, “Gordon Brown is an idiot” etc.  I’m simply not stupid enough for all of this. 

Do I like all politicians, of course not, but I like to think that they all (or at least all the mainstream ones) sincere in their basic aims to improve peoples lot in life.  It seems to me there are just slight differences on the approach and emphasis.  On saying that, I appreciate those slight differences can be enormous to the individuals – like the difference between having a job or not.

And I don’t have the answers – so, since it’s a lot harder to be an artist than a critic – I try not to be a critic!

That doesn’t stop me having long rants at @exiledderryman over a sandwich at lunch.

However, since I’m on holiday with time on my hands – and my brain looking for things to do, and in the light of the current situation in London (riots) – I thought I’d commit some of my delirium to paper (or electrons).

I do see some fundamental issues in our society and they mainly centre around consumerism.  Listening to some of the rioters on TV I here them commenting that they see themselves as “poor” and are happy to take from “rich” business owners.

My first reaction to this is to be cross.  But when I think about it, it is not too surprising.

First of all, we need to face the fact that people living in the UK, indeed most of Western Europe, are not poor.  Let me clarify this. 

“About 4 million newborns die worldwide during their first month of life. About 2.5 million children die every year because they are not immunized.” (sources:World Health Organization)

So – if wee consider say the 100 poorest people living in the UK today compared to the 100 poorest living in Africa, the ones in Africa will probably all be dead by tomorrow!

Yet, our economy is based around us consuming more and more stuff that we don’t need!  TV’s, mobile phones, Blue Ray. 

I am a consumer and, as someone who works in the private sector, I rely on consumers to buy things to stay in business. 

The government needs us to consume more and more to raise taxes to pay for all those hospitals and schools that we want.

Almost our entire media is funded by marketing – so its no surprise that it pumps out the same message

Get more stuff – it’ll make you happy.

Yet more stuff doesn’t make you happy.  Blue ray and HDTV are not going to make your film better, 3D TV is not 3D, iPhones do not make you sexy!

What are the top three things that make me happy.  The first is probably the same for everyone – Love.  Costs nothing to give and nothing to receive.  You just have to do it!

The second, I guess, is sitting down for a meal with my family.  OK, this costs a bit, but we all need to eat.

The third is probably cycling.  I guess this costs a some, to buy and maintain a bike – but not beyond most peoples means.

Now don’t get me wrong – I’m as bigger consumer as the next guy or girl, constantly looking at bike websites for bits and bobs to upgrade – because whatever you’re interested in there’s a marketing machine at work.  But I suspect if you asked most people there top 3 pleasures, buying a new television is unlikely to come out top.

Along with rampant marketing we have the “instant gratification” message from the media.  The disaffected rioters didn’t see the 14 hours a day, seven days a week that the small business owner put in for 10 years to build there business – because in the world of media everything is instant.

Big Brother – creating instant wealth through celebrity.  Entire racks of magazines devoted to people whose contribution to society amounts to nothing.  Ask a young child, including mine, what they want to be and the answer isn’t a pilot, doctor or fireman anymore.  The answer is “famous”.

Then we have the final nail in the coffin – the politicians who are so vociferous in their condemnation of looting – were caught doing exactly the same thing themselves recently.

So there se have it, an economy reliant on buying things we don’t need, a society which values instant celebrity above hard work and contribution, lead by a bunch of thieves.

So what’s the answer.  Well, I’m still thinking about it.  I’m pretty sure though, that the answer lies in a new way of thinking – a “root change”, rather than some trimming in the branches and leaves of our current system.  Don’t get me wrong, democracy and the market economy have served us well, providing the momentum for massive wealth generation and technological advancement. 

We need to continue to harness mans competitiveness but subtly change our measure of success to one that measures not only individual and local gains – but global and societal ones too.