Are we living “Jihad vs. McWorld” or what?

Question

Jihad vs. McWorld is the title of a 1992 essay by political scientist Benjamin R. Barber, in which he puts forth a theory that describes the struggle between "McWorld" (globalization and the corporate control of the political process) and "Jihad" (tradition and traditional values, often in the form of extreme nationalism or religious orthodoxy and theocracy).

You can read the essay here: http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/199203/barber

Also, is it more complicated that this; are corporate interests manipulating the religious orthodoxy to do their bidding (e.g. the Christian-right’s support of the Iraq war)?

Answer 1

America is indeed approaching a spiritual death. Our dark cabal of Neocon leaders, several of whom have held positions of great power under Reagan, Bush I, and now Bush II, are perpetuating unrestrained expansion of the American Empire while utilizing Orwellian propaganda to convince its subjects that they are still living in the "land of the free". They have taken advantage of the inculcated apathy and ignorance of many Americans to begin the erosion of civil liberties through the Patriot Act, to increase regressive taxes while decreasing progressive taxes, and to launch an unabashed assault on the UN rather than working to help reform it in a way that would benefit the world, including America. They are bankrupting the federal government to the point that it will no longer be able to "afford" social welfare programs. They have launched the Bush Doctrine in Iraq. Thanks to the Neocons, many Americans are convinced that the Judicial Branch needs to be relegated to the status of "junior partner". Bush's proposed 2006 budget laid out aggressive cuts to social welfare programs and increases in defense spending. The administration steadily chips away at the wall of separation of church and state, which serves to protect both entities from undue influence over one another. Neocon policies are assaulting the rights of workers and consumers to enhance corporate profits. Exploiting the alleged necessity brought on by their "war on terror", this administration conducts many of its activities in secrecy. Under Bush, the environment is under siege. With the Neocons at the helm, those exhibiting xenophobia, hubris, proper support for the "American Way", anti-intellectualism, and over-consumption are considered to be patriots. As a nation, America is quite near spiritual bankruptcy. Like pigs rolling in the mud, the Neocons thrive in an American culture which promotes shallow thinking, immediate gratification, excessive spending based on easily obtained credit, bellicose attitudes, and a shameless narcissism devoid of empathy.

Answer 2

Commerce is the driving force that will one day pave the way to form a one-world government. Of course, everyone knows that won't really work until the nukes are unleashed or some other horrendous tragedy. The chaos to come is extremely frightening and makes me glad I'm getting old. I worry for my children and grandchildren.

The problems facing us are much larger than are being addressed. Anybody who is really looking can see our country slipping away from us.

Answer 3

I would not argue that the Jihadists have declared war on the capitalist West due to our foreign policies.

More a symptom of our system of government and constantly changing executive branch than a theory on corporate manipulation. We just need to stop muddling around in affairs of other nations.

Answer 4

good question but despite a request for complexity its still oversimplified. McWorld is not embraced everywhere not even in the hell from which it was spawned. If you are looking for extreme nationalism you just posted in its hot bed. There are quite a few fudamentalist christian nutjobs in here as well. But extreme nationalism is nearly a prerequesite to post in support of Bush. Corporations can help shape thinking but the basics remain nearly unchangable.

Answer 5

Insanity, and Greed, That,s what we are living in today.

Answer 6

what ever...