8 The
world in the age of globalisation is struggling for power and
possession. Economic factors, trade, inventions, scientific
and technological development are the decisive forces which
promote, lead and accelerate the movement of structural and
operational mechanisms of trade and of economic, ideological
and political systems at all levels. globalisation generates
these forces as the world mainstream to bring about rapid and
critical change beyond frontiers. No other forces can resist
this change. The driving force of power and possession of a
small group of people is further strengthened by economic and
political power as well as by the more advanced technologies
they enjoy, enabling them to manipulate and exploit this global
relationship of humanity for their own benefits. It takes advantage
of transnational development in all sectors to intervene and
dominate ideologies, economic and political systems, resources
and technologies of the peoples who are less capable to use
these forces. The penetration of this one global culture is
threatening the diversity of civilizations and cultures, and
widening the gap between it and the various groups of different
ethnic peoples, cultures, belief systems, backgrounds and ideologies.
Consequently, each group has to struggle for its existence
and future.
9 To maintain
its existence in the mainstream of a culture of death, each
group attempts to identify new ideologies, directions, definitions
and interpretations and takes the relationship and development
discourse as the platform and strategy, to weigh against one
another and compete for a better position. Each group tries
to establish a complex and fierce competition system by applying
only the criteria off economic figures and material indicators.
In this sense, human beings are used as resources or taken
as commodities. Service or mutual aid becomes something requiring
remuneration, while a simple style of living is considered
as ignorance doomed to be manipulated and exploited, and a
traditional way of life is seen as backwardness.
10 Through
social mechanisms closely linked with the power and value of
properties, religion and morality are weakened. The goal of
human existence, instead of being based on morality and dignity,
takes the form of materialism and consumerism. No doubt, this
mainstream culture has created opportunities, lessened the
gap in human interaction and makes known the diversity of the
world seen from different angles. This leads to a greater universal
sharing and exchange, creating enormous benefits and efficient
interaction among individuals and groups. But human beings
are still in the quest for the true meaning of life, hoping
to return to their roots, to genuine happiness and the maintenance
of their dignity in this context, as well as struggling to
achieve progress in the future
11 This
reality forces human beings in the age of globalisation to
accept it, to adjust themselves to it, and to take part in
shaping and developing the mainstream. At the same time, a
number of people in the world have started to raise questions
on development theory discourse. Development according to this
global mainstream has made people realize that status, money,
property or power, which are deliberately held by the majority
as the substitute of the Absolute (God), cannot fulfill or
replace human values and dignity, which are the intrinsic heritage
of humanity. Nonetheless, the mechanisms and structures of
globalisation that are leading the way of the world, are putting
much pressure on human beings, making them confused and restless.
They further dictate a way of life and destiny, of human beings
that will turn out to be an illusion. Although they invite
human beings to struggle for progress, this struggle becomes
more and more difficult.
12 This
conflict between the global mainstream and the natural way
of humanity, which ought to maintain a right relationship with
creation and the Absolute, has caused a gap or war forcing
human beings to desperately compete against one another for
a confused progress. Human beings are searching for the intrinsic
meaning and goal of life, though they are not sure what it
is and ultimately whether they will reach this goal or how
they may attain it.
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