The Evolution of Greed: Malvinas or Falkland.

  When speaking today to a gentleman from Argentine, I jokingly referred to the Falkland Islands, known as 'Islas Malvinas' to the Argentinians. Later, I commented to the same individual that I do not see why either the United Kingdom or Argentina should care so much about them when, apart from the possibility of oil, the islands have no real value. Yet, where do we get this concept of value, and in turn the creation of greed? With all the  focus on materialism and possession which is entrenched within the psyche of the 21st Century, is the solution hidden within the natural origin of the attitude?

  As a species, humanity can trace many of its wholesale characteristics back to animalia which are considered to share common ancestors with humans. One such basic notion is that of territory. Many inhabitants of the Animal Kingdom mark areas of territory with individualised scents, such as grand excretions and urine. In doing so the member of a species can define its personal boundaries, while also deterring possible rivals from entering their individual space. An area may be rich in: food, safe habitat from threats, or sufficient space to maintain a large breeding group. In some cases, such as grizzly bears,  territory can change and shift with the availability of food stuffs. However, in what way does this relate to humanity?

  For every individual human there is a desire to have a safe place to sustain themselves (ie eat, sleep, socialise). Whether it be for a single individual or a large/ extended family, people need territory to call their own. Out of this it would seem that objects have developed the same territorial claim over time. From a television to a carpet, the object has become as viciously protected as a hippopotamus would for its stretch of a waterway. This has evolved to the extent that we define the haves and the have nots as the difference between people(s). Those who want, desire; while those who possess, covet. Acts which people define as criminal such as theft and fraud owe their existence to the rapid development of human territory conceptualisation. Murders, riots and revolutions have been initiated in the face of possessiveness and the greed that comes with it. We are greedy because we either do not want to loose something which we possess, or to have the opportunity to possess taken away from us in future.

   Such greed and mammalian territorial instincts have led to a world where whole 'nations' (a strange union of peoples may be more apt) impose their influence and control over others less able to defend themselves. Such attitudes by the haves towards the have nots is driven by greed for the acquisition of resource-rich territory. However, with the 'freedom' wars of the mid to late 20th and into the 21st Centuries, each driven by the claims of leaders to be bringing liberty to oppressed populations, territorial influence has grown out with a nation's boundaries. The greed of ideologies and dictators has lead to a world where powerful nations vie with each other for influence over 'lesser' neighbours. As a result we live in a world territorially defined by guns as a way of exercising greed, rather than that basic survival reflex found in most of nature's creatures.

  Whether it be several small islands 290 miles off the coast of South America or a 29 inch HD television, possession and territory are never far from the mind of all human beings. We are all driven by an instinctive desire to possess through a developing and growing forcefulness. The only evident enhancement which separates us from our animal ancestors is our capacity to kill 100,000's to sustain our wanton impulses. The truth is that we do not require everything that we are told to want or need. We have been influenced by our natural instincts for preservation to covet and horde. Let us find a way to get back to our natural principal of possessing to survive, rather than the illusion that we must possess to survive.

Micro-culturalism within the UK

For some 60 years this nation has been obsessed with multiculturalism. Ever since the formation of the Commonwealth and the resulting influx of colonial based immergration, up to the current free movement of people within the EU, the UK has had to manage a diverse array of cultures and ethnicities. However, this preoccupation has resulted in possible neglect of indigenous groups. Worse still is that this language does not sufficiently explain the true diversity within. The obvious point of diversity emanates from the breakdown of the United Kingdom: Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Though united through political and economic structures, each engage in their own uniques identities. This neglect, in my opinion is a cause for the growth in regional nationalism. Pride in themselves is more profitable than a growing false hope in the Union. Those who have influence should be highlighting this danger, and offering a response. The strength of our individuality should be a glue to keep us together, not drive us apart. Though the above has been thoroughly studied and anslysed, the true diversity lies in each of us. Through the social upheaval of the 20th Century, a variety of micro-cultures have emerged. These include: ska, punk, goth, emo, ned, chav, and nerd/geek. Though these are not solely the product of this country, they have been fostered and developed here. These cultures, particularly found among 12-25 year olds, receives the same degree of ridicule or insult as any foreign culture which moves in. How then are we to manage our own cultural diversity? Well, to embrace them as we do those who immergrate into this country is the only option. Though they are at times considered social frustrating and economically burdening, they are no different from any other culture. Accommodate and by sympathetic to these internal cultures, while maintaining a strong line with them. We are blessed to be a hotbed of cultural creativity, and therefore we should avoid stigmatising them. They represent the feeling of the times. Without them, as without foreign cultures, out nation would stagnate and die.