Policy must build community

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.