Skeptics-R-Us
My thoughts turn once again to IDS and whether or not our actions in this world have any effect. I sat in D&E (Development and Environment) this morning, learning about soil processes and sewage treatment, and it made me think that whether or not the work that I will end up doing in the coming years is worthwhile, at least I am making the effort to be more aware and consciencus in the actions that I take. I am beginning to see the uniqueness and the large benefits of being in the IDS program. It's as if someone has forced me to open my eyes and look at the world for what it is.. not for the glossy picture painted by corporations and the media. I've started criticizing my own actions and thoughts, and those of great thinkers and leaders in politics, etc.
Whether or not we are justified as Westerners in the work we do in developing nations, there are many things that we could be doing that would be a lot worse. The result of our actions depends on the intentions behind those actions. I am starting to realize that until I go out and physically experience development work, I'm not going to be able to justify it. Right now, I'm being prepared on how to open my eyes and be open to all ways of life. In a way I'm lucky, I will get the opportunity to put to use the knowledge I've aquired in school before I even graduate. Then maybe I'll start putting my doubts about development aside and come to a more solid conclusion.
I guess the whole point of this entry is to show that even with doubts on the justification of Western intervention in the Third World, I still feel confident that in some small way I might be able to make a difference in the world. Whether trhough development work, or by being critical of the Western way of life. Who knows, maybe small things like taking soil samples in Kenya could make a difference.. I feel a little bit better about the idea of being in this program, it helps to have friends who are thinking the same thoughts, and who have a little bit more insight in how to understand the doubts and cynical aspects of this subject.
I guess I was wrong.. lol, people other than my housemates do read my blog from time to time!
Whether or not we are justified as Westerners in the work we do in developing nations, there are many things that we could be doing that would be a lot worse. The result of our actions depends on the intentions behind those actions. I am starting to realize that until I go out and physically experience development work, I'm not going to be able to justify it. Right now, I'm being prepared on how to open my eyes and be open to all ways of life. In a way I'm lucky, I will get the opportunity to put to use the knowledge I've aquired in school before I even graduate. Then maybe I'll start putting my doubts about development aside and come to a more solid conclusion.
I guess the whole point of this entry is to show that even with doubts on the justification of Western intervention in the Third World, I still feel confident that in some small way I might be able to make a difference in the world. Whether trhough development work, or by being critical of the Western way of life. Who knows, maybe small things like taking soil samples in Kenya could make a difference.. I feel a little bit better about the idea of being in this program, it helps to have friends who are thinking the same thoughts, and who have a little bit more insight in how to understand the doubts and cynical aspects of this subject.
I guess I was wrong.. lol, people other than my housemates do read my blog from time to time!
posted by Melanie G at
12:17 p.m.
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