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Re: Defining the Islamic State by Danny Dayus 11 March 2002 23:30 UTC |
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Did I miss something? Was the subject of this discussion ever going anywhere. As someone who contributed to it, I am neither rich, nor academic. My knowledge of Islam comes from growing up with Muslims. Did I commit some crime, or what? -----Original Message----- From: wsn-owner@csf.colorado.edu [mailto:wsn-owner@csf.colorado.edu] On Behalf Of Adam Starr Sent: Monday 11 March 2002 08:33pm To: wsn@csf.colorado.edu Subject: Re: Defining the Islamic State Hello WSN World, I would have to agree with Shahijm with his comments on armchair theorizing. Let me begin by saying that I do have immense respect for the amount of time that many of you have spent in your fields of research but I find myself constantly astounded with some of the comments I read and realize more and more how much of a bubble the academia can live in. I am amazed when the grand-father of World Systems Theory asks questions concerning the "influx of cotton" as part of a transforming economy during the 18th century. Was this question for real? I have the experience of living and working in some of the poorest countries in the world (in particular, Cambodia). I have attended seminars, spoken to both academics and diplomats within various aid projects and was continually reminded how the vision of development was constantly at odds with reality of poverty. In the end, when it appears as though several hundred thousand dollars are waisted on needs assessments and purchase of technology that was apparently inappropriate, the blaim is always put upon the very people the programs were intended to help. Yet, high salaries for importing development "experts", several brand new white Land Rovers, and exotic villas for residences some how were not taken into consideration for expenses. This is the world we live. Academics have decided the to neglect the realities of situtations due to the fact that they have spent years within an institution and given a piece of paper stating they are an expert. The human reality of development is forgotten with ethnocentric ascendence of academia over life experience. To draw a parallel with the debates that happen on line with WSN, in the end it is quite apparent that many of you have never stood side by side with the poorest of the world and somehow pretend that you understand their plight and point a finger at the rich bourgosie saying it's their fault!!! Hell, we are all active participants in this global economy whether we like it or not. If we drive a car, if we purchase fruit, wear shoes,clothing or spend time on a computer participating in an on-line debate. One way or another, we are contributing to the plight of the poor (including the Afghan people) yet we debate over definitions. I know what I have written might all sound one sided (even head strong) and offers no real solutions. Perhaps if there's one thing the World Systems community should do is get back in touch with the world. Rather than debate, analyze, and sound smart, lets start looking at and discussing firm policies or solutions. Theory is getting old, and do any of us really want the neo-liberals to dictate the outcome of our (in the sense of the human race) current world crisis? I for one don't. Adam. ===== Adam T. Starr Undergraduate of Political Science, UVic 3009 Quadra Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 4G2 Canada (011) (250) 472-1223 adam@hornbyisland.com or reunitedhornby@yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email! http://mail.yahoo.com/
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