In "Survival of the Fittest," David Brin mentions the book The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. Dawkins wrote about the possibility that evolution is more about DNA than the organism that is makes up. The genes for advantageous traits survive and reproduce for generations. He then applied this logic to the spread of ideas, or memes. These memes, like DNA, reproduce. They reproduce when people speak of them; planting seeds in minds. These memes could be positive, like the idea of sanitation; or, in terms of religious memes, be used to block other memes, keeping out competition.
Brin then goes on to argue that there are four opposing world-views that are constant war with each other. The first one he describes is paranoia which was rampant in the Soviet Union. In Russia, parents are still passing this idea on to their children but it is gradually decreasing in intensity. Where paranoia is present, there cannot be peace. Machismo, is the world-view in opposition to paranoia. Machismo legitimizes a patriarchal society. On the other hand, there is east and the Dogma of Otherness) opposing world-views. In the east, individualism is looked down upon; everyone must surrender them self to society. This "Dogma of Otherness" stresses the individual by teaching children to question authority. People in these societies also strive for change and diversity.
I think Brin's speech provides an interesting perspective on the concentration of power within several societies, for example whether it lies with the group or the individuals. It is fascinating to look at how the common ideas in certain societies are the foundation for the type of leadership present.
If this memes are applied to the idea of Darwinism, I do not understand how machismo, in particular, has survived for thousands of years. Machismo revolves around defending man's honor, this has led to many wars. Also, women do not have equal rights. Through these examples it is easy to how unproductive this meme is. There are many who say that they are against the idea of a patriarchal society, especially in America where tolerance is stressed, yet women still make only 77 cents on the dollar compared to men
That is very interesting. I feel like machismo has survived for so long because though history male's had been dominant. Once in the dominant position, it was easy to assert the idea of male dominance, and spread this idea because of the power men traditionally have had over women. I feel like its a circular thing where each leads back to the other. However, and as we know, it is changing. It may be slow but that idea is changing. Especially in today's world where ideas can be around the world within minutes, we will see a closing of the gap, even the gap you mentioned with the men and womens wages.
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