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August 14, 2006

Ravens and Crows

A girlfriend of mine is over in France working on a photography project and wrote me a note the other day that turned into what I thought was an interesting exchange regarding stereotypes of liberals and conservatives. Maybe you'll find it interesting, too.

She wrote:

"I think that the thing that truly makes America great and fills it with potential is the inventive, independent spirit of its citizens. For all our backbiting and greed, we put ourselves out more for each other and take bigger risks than people here do. I think that's why there's still more opportunity in America than there seems to be in Europe. If we don't like our jobs or situation, we do what we can to change it. Here people just go along with it and never think of making a change. Speaking generally, of course."

This reminded me of a conundrum I've pondered for some time, and I replied:

"I'm not surprised that Americans are more adventuresome. We're the descendants of adventurers, and here out West, we are decendants of the most adventuresome of the adventurers. What I find curious is that conservatism is something we usually associate with someone not liking change, and liberalism is something we think describes a person who is open to new things. So how is it Europe is more liberal than the U.S.? And how is it that the remaining cowboys in the world and many of the more adventuresome entrepreneurs are so conservative? That's what I don't get. I wonder if it is a matter of discipline?"

Her reply showed not only how obvious that stereotype is, but also how two-dimensional it is; in fact, other factors are also at play:

"Man, THAT is an interesting and true point. What the heck is up with that? It's weird. I think it depends wholly on your view of the world more than discipline, whether or not you're conservative or liberal, but you really would have thought it would be the other way.

"I liken people to ravens and crows. A raven, when it finds food, will go back and get the rest of the ravens, and then all the birds eat from the find. Raven society is structured on the premise that the more eyes you have out looking for food, the greater the chance everyone will get to eat and have their needs met. Crows, on the other hand, do NOT go back and get the rest of the crows. When a crow finds something, it totally snacks down and then takes what's left back for itself for later. Crows are premised on every bird for himself.

"I think if you see yourself as a person who helps others and can get help when you need it yourself, you tend to be a liberal, regardless of your other views. If you tend to see yourself as out there on your own, then you're a conservative, regardless of your other views. It also doesn't really matter how accurate your perception of yourself is. I find most of the time perception is truth, whether it's true or not. So maybe cowboys see themselves as out there on their own, battling the elements and wolves all by their lonesomes, so despite their adventurous spirits, they see themselves as alone, hence the conservative 'I did it so everyone else should, too' point of view. Maybe?"

I think she's onto something here. What do you think?

Posted by Becky at August 14, 2006 09:22 AM