The British people believe in themselves. Why not us?

2 recent events that struck me in writing this post are as follows.

Cardiff University Labour Students Weekly Meeting
It was my first time coming to this meeting, since I missed the 1st two due to the residential fieldtrip I went earlier. The 1st half an hour was pretty much annoying. The Chair came and distributed some newspapers, and people chatting about their lives with each other.

It was in the 2nd half of the meeting when the discussion came about. A few issues were discussed, primarily on taxes, 'war against terror', education and ID cards. Of all our debates and arguments, the 'Statement For The Day' that really caught my attention was " it is our duty and responsibility to make things right. We practice democracy, they're not. We're in peace, they're not. So it was a good idea, initially, to go to Iraq and sort 'em out!" How's that for an argument? Not too bad, I guess.

Today's Hottest News: Britain's Move To Reject Referendum
Gordon Brown is going to address Britain's European Union partners that his country will not agree on the proposed treaty that goes for a standardized social & labour laws, common law, police & judicial processes, foreign and defence policies, tax and social security systems. While propagating a free-trade market, Britain's denial in agreeing with the treaty is claimed to be caused by their sensitivity towards the country's "red-line" and sovereignity.

Now, I'm not interested in arguing on the details of both events.

It is now becoming clearer to me that one could not standardize everything. This applies to idealism, religious practices as well as the rule of law. Humans are collectively brought up in their own unique environment, and this develops their nature of behaviour, belief, cultural practices and perceptions. These respective groups of people have shared interests within their own community boundary.

It's because of these differences that some groups feel superior and the rest might face a problem of inferiority complex, justified by the progress showed by them in their own rat race. The former gets stronger and feels superior while the latter feels a little bit 'behind par'. Possible outcome? The inferior ones might prostitute their initial value/system for the superiors'. This further enhances positive feedback mechanism to the whole system.

But wait! There are certain occasions that the 'big guys' would not want to follow others' agreed-upon ideas. Let's have the British government as our case study.

Earlier between the 15th and 19th century, they went all over the world to 'sort things out' and claimed that it's the 'white man's burden' and responsibility to bring a modernised way of living for everyone. They've sent their troops to Iraq a few years back, claiming that the oil-rich country possessed WMD. The UN said no, but they proceeded anyway. Despite the warnings, protests, roundtable discussions, referendum and demonstrations exhibited by the global community, they just proceed with their own agenda.

My point here is that: it's the British solid, bold attitude that had shaped what they are today! They believe and proud of themselves.

So are/can/must we! Believe in ourselves, mate!
It's a world of grey areas, mate, and there are loads of it!

I'll be going to the Palestinian Solidarity Society meeting in a shortwhile. In case if you're interested to come, if it's not too late to mention, we'll be at the Rona Griffith room, 4th Floor in the Students Union.