We must strive to establish esprit de corps at every level of society - both for the country at large and the smaller community sections.
I guess this was spurred on by reports in the media about community "warfare". White versus Black, Lebanese versus Vietnamese, Catholic versus Protestants, Christian versus Arab versus Jew and the rest.
Here in Australia we shouldn't be indulging in these petty squabbles. I know it's hard to try and stop the kids doing it (remember "West Side Story"?) but the adults need to learn too. I've often thought, not that I'm predicting or supporting the idea of their existence, but mankind will only truly unite the day we make First Contact with an extra-terrestrial intelligence. It would no longer be a case of us and them, it'd us and THEM! *grin*
So until then (which may never arrive), we need to figure out a way for communities to develop esprit de corps. This used to come from community organisations - particularly football teams, just look at Melbourne and their Aussie Rules teams - but this has withered through greater mobility, general disinterest and the introduction of big business and media interests. Not that this dilutes the power of a game to excite you but it does take away the passion that people used to feel about their local team.
So how else can we bring about that spirit that we've lost? I certainly don't have the answer. Do you? Suggestions welcome.
I guess this was spurred on by reports in the media about community "warfare". White versus Black, Lebanese versus Vietnamese, Catholic versus Protestants, Christian versus Arab versus Jew and the rest.
Here in Australia we shouldn't be indulging in these petty squabbles. I know it's hard to try and stop the kids doing it (remember "West Side Story"?) but the adults need to learn too. I've often thought, not that I'm predicting or supporting the idea of their existence, but mankind will only truly unite the day we make First Contact with an extra-terrestrial intelligence. It would no longer be a case of us and them, it'd us and THEM! *grin*
So until then (which may never arrive), we need to figure out a way for communities to develop esprit de corps. This used to come from community organisations - particularly football teams, just look at Melbourne and their Aussie Rules teams - but this has withered through greater mobility, general disinterest and the introduction of big business and media interests. Not that this dilutes the power of a game to excite you but it does take away the passion that people used to feel about their local team.
So how else can we bring about that spirit that we've lost? I certainly don't have the answer. Do you? Suggestions welcome.
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