| Propaganda |
| 1.The idea of control through the media or public relations, typically associated with politics. 2.The spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution |
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| Top 2% own the world |
| Thursday, December 07, 2006 |
Have you ever got the feeling sometimes we are moving towards a corporate monarchy. I was reading an article on the BBC website that was based on a UN report:
The richest 2% of adults in the world own more than half of all household wealth, according to a new study by a United Nations research institute.
The report, from the World Institute for Development Economics Research at the UN University, says that the poorer half of the world's population own barely 1% of global wealth.
The article goes on to explain briefly what it means by wealth:
What they mean by wealth in this study is what people own, less what they owe - their debts. The assets include land, buildings, animals and financial assets.
This is interesting, especially from what Ross is saying. This gives us an indication of what percentage of people can bridge the gap, from spending, to be able to own assets. With pushes from both sides, the government and the corporations to spend. No wonder wealth generation is hard for the average. I wonder what the current education is given to youth in their teens about 'the market', or even business plans.
Its funny, the older I get, the more I think that economics and politics needs to be taught as standard subjects in high school. Not as whole year subjects, but at least a term or two each year. From year 7 to 12. Just to make sure people know how to vote effectively. The difference between local and federal government. The constitution and law systems. Basic economics, market forces, economic indicators, externalities, etc. I think this would be a lot more effective than placing a chaplain at every school.
I remember a little about the politics that was taught in primary school. But that said, primary school is too early to really understand what politics is about. You are still trying to figure out the politics of the schoolyard and gender roles. When I got to high school it was elective, if was even offered.
Will education about politics and modern economic markets help close the gap? Or should we follow the american university system and make each first year student cover at least one subject in each faculty? Or is it a bigger problem with the way international markets are constructed?
One last note, whatever happen to the G8 pledge to help eradicate poverty in Africa? |
| posted by Jamie Nimmo @ 10:14 AM |
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| 1 Comments: |
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quote: "I think that economics and politics needs to be taught as standard subjects in high school"
I agree but aslong as they don't teach it like maths or science. If they want high school kids to be interested they need to show the human side of the subjects otherwise I fear that many kids will just turn off.
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| About Me |
Jamie Nimmo
and Ross Jones
Jamie, Sydney Australia. Is a visual effects artist working for Animal Logic.
Ross, Melbourne Australia. Has a degree in Commerce and is currently a financial Anaylst
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quote: "I think that economics and politics needs to be taught as standard subjects in high school"
I agree but aslong as they don't teach it like maths or science. If they want high school kids to be interested they need to show the human side of the subjects otherwise I fear that many kids will just turn off.