David Brin

           David Brin describes our society’s culture and how everyday ideas are in place due to what he describes as a meme. These memes have many different shapes and forms and are promoted in ways though things such as the media and individual sway. Some memes have the potential to carry on for generations while others will eventually die out. The reason for this has to do with how the memes are implemented into society and whether or not they form in conjunction with present day. He describes four different memes in our world today, paranoia, machismo, the east and dogma of others. Each of these has the foundation to push memes to carry on and allows society to promote certain ideals. While paranoia, machismo and the east carry on memes that encourage narrow minded thinking and intolerance for outside ideas; dogma of others encourages outside of the box thinking while staying open minded towards new and different ideals. Brin argues that if our society could rid the narrow minded memes we would all be much better off and could progress together rather than be torn apart by what we are unsure of.
           Memes become a powerful tool for those in power and if used incorrectly can negatively impact many. Memes become particularly useful during times of uncertainly and chaos and will determine how a society will act. One of the most powerful examples can be seen during WWII when Hitler came to power in Germany. Germany was suffering one of its most economic downfalls in history and for the citizens it seemed as if there was no end in sight. Hitler used their weakness as leverage and spread ideas of hate and blame as a way to gain power and authority. His charismatic way with the people allowed him to overtake thousands and implement his ideas far and wide. While this meme caused more than enough damage to innocent victims it does not continue in present day. One of the reasons for this can be attributed to its extremist nature and lack of reason behind the blame as well as the inhumane treatment of people.
           In our society today the idea of globalization has allowed individuals to interact with others on a whole new level. This new level brings new relationships and information about others that may not have been readily available in the past. Societies have become interconnected with each other and in order for us to all function peacefully tolerance must be promoted and exercised by all.  Memes may only spread so long as there is a strong backing of it as well as a way for it to spread. In present day tools such as the media are used to spread these memes and draw the attraction of others. While Brin feels that the idea of dogma of others will help our society he does not give reasonable ways in which to implement this idea onto others. It is not enough to preach about tolerance it must be worked into society as a mutual understanding amongst all.