France’s Interior Minister Claude Gueant (pictured) has drawn angry criticism from opposition members after suggesting in a speech to a right-wing student group that all civilisations are “not of equal value”.
France's Interior Minister doesn't seem to understand that we are all God's children regardless of where we come from. Jesus will come back one day, so the Minister would do better to turn to God and seek his own salvation.
I've not the text of M. Gueant's speach nor the context of his using the word "civilization" (meaning something more extensive in French than in English) but only a fool smitten by Rouseaux 101 would assume that N. Korea, the Nuer, and urban Blacks in Chicago lived lives of equal scope. Some civilizations are open, curious and tolerant; some are closed, hostile and fearful. Some are scientific, some not. Once Islam was, but in the 12th century took a turn towards dogma. Thus, if one seeks cutting edge healthcare one goes to Europe today and not Cairo.
It may be PC to fantasize that civilzations and individuals are all equal but we are only equal in humanity, not skills. And to pretend anything else if sheer stupidity. There is no arrogance in acknowledging that the West has virtues which are unique-and one of them is being self critical.
Since the word "civilization" is used to describe how different societies have achieved their respective advanced levels of enlghtment, (a subjective barometer), hence, Gueant is correct that all civilzations are NOT equal (subjectively). However, we are quite aware that historically and otherwise, weaker and more decadent civilizations were overtaken or perished once encountered stronger and more vibrant civilizations. Hence, was Gueant trying to convey this unfortunate upcoming of his civilization he pupports to be "unequal" to others?
Just the West? South Korea is quite the comfortable country even to westerners. How about Japan? Australia? New Zealand? All in the East.Some consideration for Nepal? They don't measure economic success-they measure the happiness level of their people. And of course, are you overlooking the fact that the western countries all have large pockets of the generational poor and disadvantaged in their midst? This doesn't negate the fact that some countries are abysmally backward, but there are other countries besides 'the West' that surely deserve the same accolades that we confer upon ourselves. Perhaps we should in fact limit our own accolades and keep striving to always do better. Plenty of room for improvement.N'est pas?
Have we lost all ability to be reasonable. Democracy and human rights is now the moral equivalent of intolerance; violence; subjugation of women??? Really????
If the West wants to represent progressive humanist values then we cannot acknowledge an inherent equality for civilizations which institutionally degrade and oppress women (among other groups). Of course, Western nations have not fully arrived when it comes to civil liberties and equality but there is at least a recognition of the problems and a desire to improve from most quarters, unlike many nations which not only accept but embrace the status quo.
Be fruitful and multiply? Every single natural resource on our Mother Earth is being consumed, no devoured at an alarming rate. The only thing that mankind can agree upon is that we are not advancing societies positively but destroying our rational. What is positive contribution to one community of civilization is decimating another. France’s Interior Minister Claude Gueant has not made any new statement that invokes consideration for difference but rather addresses long standing prejudices that continue to incapacitate mankind as a whole. Could he survive in the jungles of The Amazon if he were dropped there and learn to live off of the land in order to return to his status quo? Would he resist tribal assistance in the area of The Amazon to try and escape from the conditions? I believe he would welcome intervention as I believe YOU would as well. All of a sudden, those uneducated people have more experience in that particular area than we do. They could save you. Would you return their assistance by wanting to change their way of life? They have a community of love, family, friendship and ability that might not rate to your standard of life; but they are not targeted by nuclear weapons either. They are a representation of human BROTHERHOOD. And so should we ALL be as we continue to boast about man's intellectual capacity and capabilities. I do not believe he spoke in a fashion that advanced anybodies opinion of his genius; but what is truly sad is that it is marked as a reflection of his own people and their attitude. Even we Westerners celebrate a day of Thanksgiving, when The Native American came to the rescue of The Pilgrims. Life is a gift and I hope mine helps to leave this world a better place for my being here.
To think the declaration of such a simple fact that the manner in essence in which some civilizations choose to function societally is less developed than others is really not something for the less travelled to get excited about. Anyone who has had the opportunity to travel in foreign lands outside of the hygenic and sterilized "pachage tour" experience has clearly seen how the "West's" continuing attempt at equalization of the legal and societal experience has produced a society that grants possibilities to the greatest number and is constantly challenged to dismantle the ever present powerful's over reaching levers on society. Compare this to so many societies that to the contrary promote the powerful's embrace of their ability to suppress the fulfillment of their society's potential to promote their parochial interests and a literate and well read "westerner" can only shake their head in bewilderment at calls that Mr. Gueant's statements are in some manner inappropriate or ill advised. No his comments are timely and frankly as a well adjusted "westerner" I grow tired of the lack of backbone on the part of so much of the "western" political class at not better encouraging the western concept of civilization that has given the world the most progressive and innovative societal order that has existed to date on this planet. Although the USA has demonstrated a simpleton's calculus when engaging countries throughout the world I'm sure comforted by its extraordinary military power which is regretably the last bulwark that will protect my children and their children from the primitive ways of an expanding less developed number of "civilizations" that fail to evolve. Ms. Duflot go to Mecca(if permitted to enter the city), Karachi (if courageous enough to enter the city) or Lagos (if you can resist the dust) and tell me how evolved your experience is as you mingle with the traders and common folk at the bazarre and please don't limit your visit to the 'western" style hotels and mingle with the "western" educated business men and politico's. Your tune, if honest, will, I strongly suspect, change. Respect yes but don't grovel at the feet of an inferior reality!
French minister slammed for ‘unequal civilisations’ comment
France’s Interior Minister Claude Gueant (pictured) has drawn angry criticism from opposition members after suggesting in a speech to a right-wing student group that all civilisations are “not of equal value”.
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Unequal Civilizations
France's Interior Minister doesn't seem to understand that we are all God's children regardless of where we come from. Jesus will come back one day, so the Minister would do better to turn to God and seek his own salvation.
Gueant & Civilization
I've not the text of M. Gueant's speach nor the context of his using the word "civilization" (meaning something more extensive in French than in English) but only a fool smitten by Rouseaux 101 would assume that N. Korea, the Nuer, and urban Blacks in Chicago lived lives of equal scope. Some civilizations are open, curious and tolerant; some are closed, hostile and fearful. Some are scientific, some not. Once Islam was, but in the 12th century took a turn towards dogma. Thus, if one seeks cutting edge healthcare one goes to Europe today and not Cairo.
It may be PC to fantasize that civilzations and individuals are all equal but we are only equal in humanity, not skills. And to pretend anything else if sheer stupidity. There is no arrogance in acknowledging that the West has virtues which are unique-and one of them is being self critical.
Gueant's Comments Unwittingly Convey the Weakness of his Civiliz
Since the word "civilization" is used to describe how different societies have achieved their respective advanced levels of enlghtment, (a subjective barometer), hence, Gueant is correct that all civilzations are NOT equal (subjectively). However, we are quite aware that historically and otherwise, weaker and more decadent civilizations were overtaken or perished once encountered stronger and more vibrant civilizations. Hence, was Gueant trying to convey this unfortunate upcoming of his civilization he pupports to be "unequal" to others?
nonsense rules
all societies are NOT equal. they are all flawed but differently.
The undisputed greatness of the West
Just the West? South Korea is quite the comfortable country even to westerners. How about Japan? Australia? New Zealand? All in the East.Some consideration for Nepal? They don't measure economic success-they measure the happiness level of their people. And of course, are you overlooking the fact that the western countries all have large pockets of the generational poor and disadvantaged in their midst? This doesn't negate the fact that some countries are abysmally backward, but there are other countries besides 'the West' that surely deserve the same accolades that we confer upon ourselves. Perhaps we should in fact limit our own accolades and keep striving to always do better. Plenty of room for improvement.N'est pas?
how can you question what he said
Have we lost all ability to be reasonable. Democracy and human rights is now the moral equivalent of intolerance; violence; subjugation of women??? Really????
Mr. Gueant is correct.
If the West wants to represent progressive humanist values then we cannot acknowledge an inherent equality for civilizations which institutionally degrade and oppress women (among other groups). Of course, Western nations have not fully arrived when it comes to civil liberties and equality but there is at least a recognition of the problems and a desire to improve from most quarters, unlike many nations which not only accept but embrace the status quo.
Unequal Civilizations
Claude Gueant I think you hit the nail on the head.Its time we accept the fact that our civilization is under attack.
You would welcome intervention
Be fruitful and multiply? Every single natural resource on our Mother Earth is being consumed, no devoured at an alarming rate. The only thing that mankind can agree upon is that we are not advancing societies positively but destroying our rational. What is positive contribution to one community of civilization is decimating another. France’s Interior Minister Claude Gueant has not made any new statement that invokes consideration for difference but rather addresses long standing prejudices that continue to incapacitate mankind as a whole. Could he survive in the jungles of The Amazon if he were dropped there and learn to live off of the land in order to return to his status quo? Would he resist tribal assistance in the area of The Amazon to try and escape from the conditions? I believe he would welcome intervention as I believe YOU would as well. All of a sudden, those uneducated people have more experience in that particular area than we do. They could save you. Would you return their assistance by wanting to change their way of life? They have a community of love, family, friendship and ability that might not rate to your standard of life; but they are not targeted by nuclear weapons either. They are a representation of human BROTHERHOOD. And so should we ALL be as we continue to boast about man's intellectual capacity and capabilities. I do not believe he spoke in a fashion that advanced anybodies opinion of his genius; but what is truly sad is that it is marked as a reflection of his own people and their attitude. Even we Westerners celebrate a day of Thanksgiving, when The Native American came to the rescue of The Pilgrims. Life is a gift and I hope mine helps to leave this world a better place for my being here.
civilization
well, any country than condones 'honour killing' is not 'civilized' is it?
Denial makes nothing. I love
Denial makes nothing. I love philosophical France. But I cannot understand your attitude these days. What is your destination?
Civilization's worth
To think the declaration of such a simple fact that the manner in essence in which some civilizations choose to function societally is less developed than others is really not something for the less travelled to get excited about. Anyone who has had the opportunity to travel in foreign lands outside of the hygenic and sterilized "pachage tour" experience has clearly seen how the "West's" continuing attempt at equalization of the legal and societal experience has produced a society that grants possibilities to the greatest number and is constantly challenged to dismantle the ever present powerful's over reaching levers on society. Compare this to so many societies that to the contrary promote the powerful's embrace of their ability to suppress the fulfillment of their society's potential to promote their parochial interests and a literate and well read "westerner" can only shake their head in bewilderment at calls that Mr. Gueant's statements are in some manner inappropriate or ill advised. No his comments are timely and frankly as a well adjusted "westerner" I grow tired of the lack of backbone on the part of so much of the "western" political class at not better encouraging the western concept of civilization that has given the world the most progressive and innovative societal order that has existed to date on this planet. Although the USA has demonstrated a simpleton's calculus when engaging countries throughout the world I'm sure comforted by its extraordinary military power which is regretably the last bulwark that will protect my children and their children from the primitive ways of an expanding less developed number of "civilizations" that fail to evolve. Ms. Duflot go to Mecca(if permitted to enter the city), Karachi (if courageous enough to enter the city) or Lagos (if you can resist the dust) and tell me how evolved your experience is as you mingle with the traders and common folk at the bazarre and please don't limit your visit to the 'western" style hotels and mingle with the "western" educated business men and politico's. Your tune, if honest, will, I strongly suspect, change. Respect yes but don't grovel at the feet of an inferior reality!