The Arab Spring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

The Arab Spring - Essay Example Political Islamism is shaping the face of Arab spring in that countries such as Tunisia which held their elections, the moderate Islamist party emerged victorious while Morocco on the other hand chose its first Islamist prime minister. Political Islam is influenced the uprising in the Middle East it involved more liberal use or application of Islamic teachings and traditions to inspire the people and thus champion for change. In addition, the policies of the Arab spring has big role to play in the regions present transformation. For instance, in Tunisia, people were more open minded guided with liberal attitude towards secular politics, while in Egypt, there is the Muslim brotherhood learning more towards the centre. Further, the uprising has been motivated by practical approach that attempts to move away from conflicting with the military while striving to raise both the economy and living standards. Muslim brotherhood has insisted that women should be given chance to participate in politics while they advocate for a civil state headed by either clerics or military. Political Islamism aimed to bring genuine democracy to the people (Warren, 2012). For the first time in Arab history, the feeling of belonging to one’s own country has grown largely in that masses inspired by their unique cultural resurgence that incorporates dancing on the street and changing old folk songs into revolutionary anthems is common everywhere. Through their culture such as street dancing, people fill the streets asking for freedom. Additionally, the quest for freedom is also manifested in poetry. Initially, women have been barred from publicly expressing themselves but now they are doing without fear that was poised by their strict cultural demands. Religion influenced the Arab spring in that the suicide committed by Bouazizi and a series of copycats immolations ignited the revolution. In

The Environmental Values of Industrial Nations and Native Societies Essay

The Environmental Values of Industrial Nations and Native Societies - Essay Example Man’s relationship with nature and his environment has always been stimulated by his economic interests and dictated by political decisions. This can be proven by just studying the distinctive characteristics of the values adhered to by industrial and native societies. The industrialized countries of the world today are generally societies with capitalist economic backbones. Capitalism is a system that thrives on the drive of private businesses to utilize the earth’s resources to derive profits. It is basically incidental that such business interest also results in the satisfaction of consumerist demands. In fact, it is because of the interest of profits that prompt businesses to create demands from consumers. As industries owned by private businesses try to create wealth and as the consumers demand for more, the requirement for the massive exploitation of sources of energy, of above-ground and underground land resources and minerals, as well as aquatic resources become s an imperative. Industrial and capitalist countries tend to set aside environmentalist concepts to make way for economic activities that would satisfy business and consumerist interests. Consequently, this resulted to wanton disregard of the well-being of the environment. However, environmental degradation is not only brought about in the process of the capitalist society’s aim to produce more wealth. The products and production wastes have also resulted in pollution. This is the reason why, globally, it is the industrialized nations that are the major exploiters of natural resources and are, at the same time, the worst polluters. There are sectors in industrial societies though which have seen the necessity to introduce protection for the environment. To some extent, these have compelled their respective governments to introduce regulatory policies in favor of the environment. However, â€Å"government agencies and ministries concerned with economic growth †¦ usually have more power and influence on government policy than the ministry concerned with the environment†¦ these agencies generally argue against strict environmental laws and regulations on the grounds that such policies reduce economic growth† (Desai 2002, p.374). In many cases, the government is beholden to business groups, which is why environmental policies by the state are oftentimes inadequate. The treatment of the environment by native societies is very much in contrast to that of the industrial countries. Native populations are generally more conscious about taking care of the environment. They make sure that the resources are not overused or abused while at the same time relying on the environment for their basic needs. Unlike in industrial countries, there are no big capitalists in native societies, which mean that all semblances of production are not at all profit-driven. Instead, the utilization of resources, which may have an effect on the environment, is a resul t of man’s need for food, clothing, and shelter. However, it is true that the respect and the protection of the environment and its resources can oftentimes be brought about by religious or superstitious beliefs. According to Robert Brightman, â€Å"rather than inhibiting overkill, religious definition of the