CW31: US-Russia Prisoner Exchange

On August 1 2024 a major prisoner exchange took place - see here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Ankara_prisoner_exchange 

It is fascinating that while we have a war raging in the Ukraine with Russia on the one side and the US heavily supporting the other side, it is still possible to talk and negotiate a prisoner exchange. While for victims of the war this may look cynical (How can you even talk to them??), from the perspective of peace it looks hopeful: Rational procedures still work, it is possible to find agreements, even when we disagree and fight on other fields.

It really becomes problematic when we cut the channels we use for communication.

A sidenote: Turkey mediated in the conflict. Turkey is in an interesting middle position in the whole question of "End of Globalized Order": On the one hand they are part of NATO, a growing military power and a rival to Russia in the region. But they are also a critic of the west and now a critic of Israel, trying to gain support from the muslim world.
While Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are clearly in the anti-western camp, countries like India, Turkey, South Africa are trying to "muddle through", using the tensions to profit from both sides.  

 

CW30: Olympia Opening Ceremonia - Last Supper - Mocking Christianity

July 2024:

A nice example of the ValueDivergence, showing the huge tension we have between value worlds.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Summer_Olympics_opening_ceremony 

see also here: https://youtu.be/FbMu27ET9XY?si=iYe6eIa5KO_Kbu4U 

and most hilarious - Andrew Tate, himself a dubious figure, critizizes it as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4XoQN_YWjo&pp=ygUTb2x5bXBpYSBsYXN0IHN1cHBlcg%3D%3D  

In the Language of Spiral Dynamics:

  • Postmodern Green deconstructs Traditional Blue Symbols (The Last Supper / Christianity)
  • Rational Orange enable the event with Campitalism and Technology; Asked about the Opening Cerememony, Orange would refer to the "freedom of Art".
  • Traditional Blue does not understand dragqueens in the first place. Faced with typical "modern art" it would probably say "I just don´t understand, I how this can be art", "it does not seem to be beautiful" and "In these moments I regret that I pay taxes". But when faced with the deconstruction of traditional icons, traditional Blue really gets hurt and loses it´s superficial tolerance.
  • Interestingly Andrew Tate enters the scene. He really is an interesting figure. In Spiral Dynamic language he would cover Impulsive Red: Green would label him as sexist, misogynist etc; he shows off with his cars and his body, had trouble with the police about forced porn etc. Andrew Tate also gets irritated with the Opening Ceremony - although he otherwise does not care about Christianity. But he cares about sexes - and therefore he also gets irritated.
  • We can see in this example what Ken Wilber and others call the "Culture Wars". If interested, see Wilbers book "Post Truth World" or this video about culture wars.

 

 

CW 28: NATO Summit

July 7-9:
End of Globalized Order:
The NATO Summit made some significant steps, strengthening the alliance. 
For those concerned about Russia/China/Iran/North-Korea a positive step.
What we see, however, is not a new order yet. An order is stable or rather: an equilibrium;
The steps we see on all sides are moving in the direction of escalation. 
We all hope to get another equilibrium that enables a NewGoodLife.

CW 27: Value Divergence: Elections in France

July 6: Value Divergence: Elections in France can be seen as a case of polarization; 

Seen through the lens of Spiral Dynamics (provided by perplexity.ai [AI, another shadow]):

Blue Stage / Traditional Order;
The Blue stage in Spiral Dynamics represents traditional values, order, and a sense of purpose within a larger system. In the context of the French election, we can see elements of Blue thinking in the following:The far-right National Rally party, which gained significant support, often appeals to traditional values and national identity. Their emphasis on order and security aligns with Blue stage thinking.
Orange Stage / Achievement and Progress:
The Orange stage focuses on individual achievement, progress, and rational thinking. In the French political landscape, we can identify Orange elements:President Macron's centrist approach and his party Renaissance embody many Orange stage characteristics. Their focus on economic growth, innovation, and individual opportunity aligns with Orange thinking.The strategic alliances formed to prevent the far-right from gaining power demonstrate Orange-stage pragmatism and goal-oriented thinking.
Green Stage / Egalitarian and Humanistic
The Green stage emphasizes equality, community, and environmental concerns. In the French election, Green stage thinking is evident in:The success of the left-wing New Popular Front (NPF) coalition, which campaigned on issues such as reducing retirement age, increasing minimum wage, and addressing cost-of-living concerns. These egalitarian policies align closely with Green stage values.The emphasis on social justice and environmental issues in the left-wing coalition's agenda reflects Green stage priorities.