Until now, no one denies that United States of America is the most powerful country in the world. Within its border, there are more than 300 million multiracial people who make a living to grab “the American Dream”. Despite their supremacy, they are “only” a small portion of a crowded world of which the population is estimated around 6.75 billion people according to the US Census Bureau as of January 2009. Therefore, Americans should consider other nationalities who are living together in this small planet. Recently, American behaviors during the Bush era were regarded as destructive and rude. Many prominent figures criticized and asked Americans to behave as part of global citizenry and treat people respectfully. Obama in his inauguration speech also acknowledged a number of mistakes made by his predecessor. In line with this issue, in my opinion, there is one “positive” side of the current economic turmoil which was started by the burst of the US
In terms of listening to the world, I encourage Americans to enrich their references by reading books that are written by other nationalities authors including those from developing countries. I believe in habit of reading books as a good start to be a good global citizen and to be able to treat other people appropriately since a book is a window to the world. Also, by reading books, we could develop knowledge and comprehension about almost everything. Unfortunately, reading books still useless for providing Americans with a better understanding about the world unless they have willingness to read books which are written by non-American authors.
I am offering at least three positive effects to Americans whoever read the books of non-American authors. The first benefit is a broader point of view. Any American who reads foreign books will experience different “tastes” and perspectives. He could understand the way of thinking of other nations, religions, etc. As a result, he might examine what is the real reason of a situation from every consideration. This ability enables him to develop a better personal judgment. The second outcome is better understanding about people around the globe. Obviously, when you aware of such things in what others like or dislike, a better relationship will be built up. A perished future of the world prediction made by Samuel Huntington (1996) in “The Clash of Civilizations” will never happen if people understand each other. Finally, by understanding people we will create respect for humankind. Despite invading other countries, American could send peaceful message to every inch of the land. Moreover, you can promote soft power in which abundant people will gather around you and support it.
I hope Obama, as he promised, will bring the real change to Americans at first and then, could influence the world. However, with most Americans still reluctant to pay attention to foreign books, building a common understanding will remain hard to achieve, even with more equality among humankind. But, at least, I still have a hope which I can believe in.
In terms of listening to the world, I encourage Americans to enrich their references by reading books that are written by other nationalities authors including those from developing countries. I believe in habit of reading books as a good start to be a good global citizen and to be able to treat other people appropriately since a book is a window to the world. Also, by reading books, we could develop knowledge and comprehension about almost everything. Unfortunately, reading books still useless for providing Americans with a better understanding about the world unless they have willingness to read books which are written by non-American authors.
I am offering at least three positive effects to Americans whoever read the books of non-American authors. The first benefit is a broader point of view. Any American who reads foreign books will experience different “tastes” and perspectives. He could understand the way of thinking of other nations, religions, etc. As a result, he might examine what is the real reason of a situation from every consideration. This ability enables him to develop a better personal judgment. The second outcome is better understanding about people around the globe. Obviously, when you aware of such things in what others like or dislike, a better relationship will be built up. A perished future of the world prediction made by Samuel Huntington (1996) in “The Clash of Civilizations” will never happen if people understand each other. Finally, by understanding people we will create respect for humankind. Despite invading other countries, American could send peaceful message to every inch of the land. Moreover, you can promote soft power in which abundant people will gather around you and support it.
I hope Obama, as he promised, will bring the real change to Americans at first and then, could influence the world. However, with most Americans still reluctant to pay attention to foreign books, building a common understanding will remain hard to achieve, even with more equality among humankind. But, at least, I still have a hope which I can believe in.
0 komentar:
Post a Comment