Policy must build community

The average Australian has a number of issues concerning them, one being the worry of rising interest rates and the negative impact this may have on the ability to gather personal wealth. Corresponding with this is the strain (on health, energy and relationships) of working longer hours to make more money to pay off larger debts.

Having enjoyed historically low interest rates, the average Australian has increased their level of personal debt to an all-time record high and is not in a financial position to absorb even the smallest interest rate rise.

Reduced workplace security is another concern. Increasingly, the only way workers can secure their employment is to sacrifice more of their workplace conditions than their colleagues. For many, workplace security comes only at the cost of disruption to the work-life balance, and a reduction in the quality of life.

Another concern still is a heightened awareness of potential violent attacks on what has become known as the “Australian (or Western) way of life” in this so-called “post- 9-11 world”. This perceived threat causes suspicion of certain racial and religious groups and acceptance of restrictions on civil liberties.

The themes of individualism and fear increasingly dominate the lives of many Australians, and Australia as a whole; whether it is fear of increasing debt, fear of workplace insecurity, or fear of terrorism - we are scared because, as individuals, we are beginning to feel more alone: we feel alone because of increasing fear.

Individualism

It manifests itself in the developing tendency to prioritise self-interest over the good of the community. Busy city living, lack of “community” and interconnectedness, has caused people to worry that “strangers” in the community cannot be trusted or relied upon. This leaves only one alternative: each individual must have the resources to provide for their own self and family, and they must compete against others for those resources.

Corporate marketing campaigns and the privatisation of essential services capitalise on this feeling of insecurity, creating a wealth of products and services that satisfy people’s desire to “get ahead”. The consequence is a culture of consumeristic greed, ultimately resulting in a constant state of dissatisfaction, stress and financial debt.

Fear

The notions of “us versus them” and suspicion of “the other” go hand-in-hand with individualism. Fear is a powerful motivator.

What might happen if the individual is unable to protect and provide for themself or their family, either because of rising interest rates, poor working conditions or because of violent attacks on one’s lifestyle?

When people are fearful they become irrational. Fearful people are also likely to justify harsh measures in proportion to the seriousness of a perceived threat. Fear and suspicion lead to a cycle of social division, the reinforcement of individualism, and the rejection of diversity.

Community

The opposite of fear and individualism is community. Community is built on commonality and diversity. A profound respect for diversity and the desire for increased diversity are necessary for the building of community. The myth that people who are “different” are a threat to the individual is helping lead to increasing individualism, and making people more scared. Communities are diverse: fear of diversity leads to fear of community.

Policy solutions that focus on micro-economic management, workplace stability or counter-terrorism methods are essential. But they are a treatment of symptoms, not of the underlying illness. Deeper action is needed.

Crafting original and effective policy solutions to address individualism and fear is arguably a greater challenge because the solution lies in modifying the way people think about themselves, their place in the world, and the way that individual’s process information.

Policy must be directed at a whole range of issues, including those currently on the agenda, if it is to address the broader themes of individualism and fear. Policy must respond to the needs of the Australian community, not just the needs of the scared and disconnected Australian individual.

1. Initiatives to encourage community interconnectedness, to break down individualism and to strengthen the realisation of common goals include:

• free television and radio advertising and community service announcements for not-for-profit community organisations, as well as provision of free meeting areas, such as senior exercise groups, child-minding co-operatives, learning circles, book-clubs, discussion evenings and group workshops;
• funding for local neighbourhood “get-to-know-you” activities, such as co-ordinated street parties, local beautifying projects, and communal gardens.

2. Initiatives to enhance appreciation of diversity, strengthen multiculturalism, reduce fear of difference, and encourage curiosity and open-mindedness, rather than xenophobia, include:

• compulsory studies in language, culturally diverse religions, and worldviews, at all educational levels;
• free language classes for those not attending educational institutions (ie senior citizens, full-time parents);
• local community “buddy” systems for migrant families with a focus on reciprocity;
• increased funding for high-school and university international exchange programs;
• third world child sponsorship arrangement for each school class.

3. Educational initiatives to promote analytical methods of processing information, critical appreciation of information in the public domain, and an understanding of historical and cultural pluralism include:

• increased funding for the teaching of humanities at all educational levels, including history, geography, logic and reason studies, scepticism and critical thinking. This type of education gives people the confidence to deal with complex issues, and the ability to deal appropriately with logical fallacies such as stereotypes, generalisations, and arguments that appeal to fear;
• “life-skills” training at all education levels designed at fostering attitudes and behaviours that develop good self-esteem and good relationships. For example, budgeting, developing identity, assertiveness, communication and non-violent conflict resolution.

An individual cannot exist outside of their community and cannot be strong without the support of that community; conversely, the strength of a community is only as strong as the individuals it is made of. No two people are identical, so it is necessary for a community to encompass diversity; to draw on it as strength, and not see it as weakness. Our emerging culture of fear and individualism must be addressed, and policy developed to build that crucial social institution: community.