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Spreading sustainability

Haji 2003

Entry posted by Haji 2003 in Futures

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In the verdant country of Viridia, nestled between emerald hills and azure seas, sustainability was more than a policy; it was a way of life. The citizens of Viridia prided themselves on their green innovations, chief among them being the near-total eradication of plastic bags. Instead, reusable cloth bags and biodegradable alternatives were ubiquitous, symbolizing the nation's commitment to preserving the environment.

This transformation began a decade earlier when the government, inspired by growing concerns about climate change, launched a comprehensive campaign to reduce plastic waste. The initiative included educational programs in schools, incentives for businesses to switch to sustainable packaging, and strict penalties for violations. The results were remarkable. Viridia's rivers and coastlines became pristine, wildlife flourished, and the air was fresher than ever before.

As the benefits of their sustainable practices became evident, a sense of pride and superiority took root among the Viridians. They viewed their eco-friendly lifestyle as a mark of advanced civilization, a beacon of progress in a world mired in pollution and waste. This perception was further reinforced by international accolades and recognition, as Viridia became a model for other nations aspiring to greener futures.

However, not all countries followed Viridia's lead. Across the ocean, the industrial nation of Pollutania continued to rely heavily on plastic and other environmentally damaging practices. To the Viridians, Pollutania represented everything wrong with the world: shortsightedness, greed, and a blatant disregard for the planet. Diplomatic relations between the two countries grew strained, with Viridia frequently urging Pollutania to adopt more sustainable measures, only to be met with resistance and indifference.

The tension reached a boiling point when a major oil spill off Pollutania's coast devastated marine life, causing an outcry among environmentalists worldwide. In Viridia, the incident was seen as a grim reminder of the consequences of unsustainable practices. The government, emboldened by its success and public support, began to argue that more drastic measures were necessary to protect the planet.

A faction within Viridia's leadership proposed a controversial idea: if persuasion and diplomacy failed, perhaps force was justified to compel Pollutania to change its ways. This radical stance gained traction among the population, who had come to view their way of life as not just superior, but essential for the survival of the earth. War, they reasoned, might be a necessary evil to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Thus, Viridia embarked on a path fraught with peril. Diplomatic overtures were replaced with ultimatums, and military preparations were made under the guise of "environmental defense." The rhetoric of cultural superiority and the moral imperative to protect the planet fueled a growing nationalistic fervor.

As the drums of war began to beat, voices of dissent within Viridia warned of the hypocrisy and dangers of such actions. They argued that true sustainability was not just about environmental practices but also about fostering peace and cooperation. However, their pleas were drowned out by the overwhelming tide of public opinion, which had come to see themselves as the enlightened protectors of the earth, willing to bear any cost to spread their values.

In the end, Viridia's journey from sustainability pioneer to crusader for a green world highlighted a complex truth: the line between righteous conviction and dangerous hubris is perilously thin. The pursuit of noble ideals, when coupled with a sense of cultural superiority, can lead to actions that undermine the very values they seek to promote. And so, the story of Viridia serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that the path to a better world must be paved with humility, understanding, and respect for all.

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Haji 2003
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This was the prompt I used:

I want you to write a short story about how a country adopts measures such as reducing the use of plastic bags for reasons of sustainability and the values that are reinforced thereby lead to perceptions of cultural superiority over those nations that do not practice these methods. The view grows that war is an acceptable price to pay to encourage more widespread adoption of sustainability values and practices amongst those who have not evolved to this elevated reasoning.

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  • Latest Blog Entries

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      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         7 comments
      [This post was initially published as 'A little conspiracy theory of mine' on Oct 25 2016. I've now retitled it and linked some of the text with the notion of the Great Replacement Theory.]
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         1 comment
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         1 comment
      [Originally posted in 2021, updated with a summary and small corrections. Further additions in 2024, with references to Oppenheimer and supporting quotations.]
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      Downsizing the Empire
      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         2 comments
      The proposition that the British Empire "never really went away" but instead "downsized" reflects a view of post-colonial influence that suggests continuity between the British Empire's formal rule and its present-day economic and political ties, particularly with the rich Arab Gulf states. While the British Empire as a formal political entity dissolved in the mid-20th century, this perspective argues that Britain's influence persisted, transforming from direct colonial rule to a more subtle but still significant form of power and influence.
      Economic Ties and Arms Trade
      One of the most visible aspects of this continuing influence is the strong economic ties between the UK and the Arab Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and others. The UK is a significant exporter of arms to these countries, with Saudi Arabia being one of the largest customers. This arms trade not only supports British industries and employment but also reinforces political and military relationships between the UK and these Gulf states. The reliance of these nations on British military technology and expertise can be seen as a continuation of the influence that Britain once exerted more overtly during the imperial period.
      Investments in British Property and Economy
      Arab Gulf states have also invested heavily in the British economy, particularly in real estate, financial services, and other high-profile sectors. London's property market, for instance, has seen substantial investment from Gulf monarchies and sovereign wealth funds. These investments benefit the British economy and contribute to the UK's status as a global financial hub. The economic interdependence created by these investments is another form of influence, where former colonies (or regions within the imperial sphere) now play a crucial role in the British economy.
      Employment for British Expats
      The presence of British expatriates in the Gulf states, particularly in high-skilled sectors such as finance, education, and engineering, reflects another layer of this ongoing relationship. British professionals are often sought after for their expertise and experience, and their employment in these regions can be traced back to historical ties established during the colonial period. The continued demand for British expertise suggests a lasting influence and a form of soft power, where British culture, education, and professional norms continue to shape the region.
      Political Influence and Leadership Support
      The assertion that the leaders of these Gulf states were either appointed by Britain or have their tenure supported by Britain touches on the historical reality that many current Gulf monarchies have roots in British colonial or protectorate arrangements. For example, the Al-Saud family in Saudi Arabia and the Al-Thani family in Qatar consolidated power during periods when Britain had significant influence over the Arabian Peninsula. While these leaders are now independent, the historical ties and ongoing strategic partnerships suggest that Britain continues to exert some level of influence, particularly through defense agreements and diplomatic support.
      Continuity of Influence
      The idea that the British Empire "downsized" rather than disappeared reflects the continuity of influence, albeit in a different form. The mechanisms of control and influence have shifted from direct colonial administration to economic dependency, strategic partnerships, and soft power. The British Empire in its classical form may be gone, but the relationships, institutions, and dependencies it created continue to shape international relations and economics in ways that can be seen as a legacy of that empire.
      Counterarguments
      However, it is also important to consider the counterarguments to this proposition. The Gulf states are now sovereign nations with their own complex political dynamics, and their relationship with Britain is one of mutual interest rather than imperial domination. The influence of other global powers, such as the United States and China, also plays a significant role in these regions, which complicates the notion that Britain maintains a unique or dominant position of influence.
      In conclusion, while the British Empire as a formal entity no longer exists, the networks of influence, economic ties, and political relationships established during the imperial period have persisted in ways that benefit the UK. These relationships, particularly with the Arab Gulf states, suggest that Britain's influence did not vanish but instead evolved, leading to a form of continuity that some might argue represents a "downsized" empire.
    • Haji 2003
      Androids and inheritance
      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         4 comments
      In this thread there was a half jokey but also serious issue that I raised:
      At some point Muslims will ask whether conjugal relations with androids are allowed and we can predict the answer will be no.
       
      Since I first started that thread a lot has happened and I think it's worth introducing some new variables to the discussion.
      There was a time when men who dressed as women (and vice versa) did so either for humour or if it was in some way related to their sexuality the attempt would seem a bit ridiculous. Nowadays though fantasy can be more readily realised with the aid of technology.
      In a similar vein men who play with dolls (this is serious, stay with me) are faintly creepy and weird. But technology moves on and at some point the dolls will pass for humans. While orthodox Muslims may well be aghast at the idea of relations between us and the androids, clearly this will be considered to be progress amongst some people. They may not currently regard it as such but their ideological progeny will.
      But then another issue will emerge. If someone gains emotional and other forms of support from their android, what if they want to pass on their wealth to the android?
       
      https://www.ft.com/content/b9b78aae-1f32-11e9-a46f-08f9738d6b2b
       
      So while we have had dystopian science fiction prognosticating about robots AI becoming 'self-aware' and stealing the planet from us what if such a loss can happen without such a confrontational dystopia?
      What if large numbers of humans give up on human-to-human relations and instead take up with androids who will never argue back, will always say yes and be physically whatever people want them to be.
      And as a reward for this their human companions leave their possessions to robots?
      It could be that it is selfishness and narcissism that disinherits us and nothing more sinister.
    • Haji 2003
      Would Palestinian passivity have led to a different outcome?
      By Haji 2003 in Contemporania
         2 comments
      What follows below, starting with "Historical Context" is chatgpt's analysis.
      My initial prompt is in the next post. The analysis starts with a statement of historical 'facts', framed pretty much in the way you would expect a western source to analyse the issue. 
      But the section that chatgpt titles, "Hypothetical outcomes ..." and the "Conclusion" are not exactly what I would have expected such a source to say, perhaps it's the result of how I wrote the original prompt?
       
      The contention that Palestinian actions would not have altered the current situation, given Israeli military superiority and claims over Jerusalem, is complex and multifaceted. It involves historical, political, and social dimensions that have shaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the past century. Here are some key points to consider:
       
       Historical Context
      1. Balfour Declaration and Mandate Period:
         - The Balfour Declaration of 1917 and the subsequent British Mandate for Palestine established a framework that favored the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This set the stage for future conflicts over land and national identity.
      2. 1947 UN Partition Plan:
         - The United Nations proposed a partition plan in 1947 to create separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem as an international city. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, but Arab leaders rejected it, leading to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
      3. 1948 and 1967 Wars:
         - The 1948 War led to the establishment of the State of Israel and the displacement of many Palestinians (Nakba). The 1967 Six-Day War resulted in Israel's occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip, solidifying Israeli control over these areas.
       
       Israeli Claims and Military Superiority
      1. Jerusalem as Israel's Capital:
         - Israeli leaders have consistently claimed Jerusalem as the undivided, eternal capital of Israel. This claim has been reinforced by various Israeli governments and supported by significant segments of Israeli society.
      2. Military Superiority:
         - Israel's military strength has been a decisive factor in the conflict. Its advanced military capabilities, supported by substantial foreign aid, particularly from the United States, have ensured its dominance in the region.
       
       Palestinian Responses and Strategies
      1. Armed Resistance vs. Diplomacy:
         - Palestinians have employed various strategies, including armed resistance and diplomatic efforts. Armed resistance has often been met with overwhelming military responses from Israel, leading to significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.
         - Diplomatic efforts, such as participation in peace processes (Oslo Accords, Camp David Summit, etc.), have sought to achieve a two-state solution but have faced numerous obstacles, including settlement expansion and internal political divisions.
      2. International Support and Advocacy:
         - Palestinians have garnered significant international support and recognition, with many countries and international organizations advocating for their right to self-determination. However, this has not translated into a resolution of the conflict.
       
       Hypothetical Outcomes of Palestinian Passivity
      1. Unlikely Changes in Israeli Policies:
         - Given Israel's strategic and ideological commitments to its territorial claims, it is unlikely that Palestinian passivity would have led to a significantly different outcome. Israeli policies have been driven by security concerns, historical claims, and political dynamics independent of Palestinian actions.
      2. Internal and External Pressures on Israel:
         - While Palestinian passivity might have reduced immediate conflict, it is uncertain whether it would have altered long-term Israeli policies. Internal Israeli politics, regional dynamics, and international pressures play crucial roles in shaping the conflict's trajectory.
       
       Conclusion
      The argument that Palestinian actions would not have changed the current outcome, given Israeli claims and military superiority, rests on the premise that Israel's strategic and ideological commitments to an undivided Jerusalem and broader territorial control are deeply entrenched. While Palestinian strategies have varied, the fundamental asymmetry in power and the entrenched nature of Israeli claims suggest that different Palestinian actions might not have led to a substantially different outcome. The conflict's resolution likely requires significant shifts in both Israeli and Palestinian policies, as well as sustained international engagement.

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