A Defining Moment in Human History, David Korten

1- What is the structure of Empire? How does this structure relate to Crosbie’s definitions of Broadcast vs New Media?’

– The structure of Empire is made up by power. The hierarchy continues to push us to make us feel smaller and powerless. We buy up their products, just like they want us to, putting our planet in jeopardy as they continue to use more of our planets resources than it can provide. They are using all of it so soon there will be none. David describes that structure of Empire is made up by hierarchies and their power to control us in a sense. This relates to Crosbie;s definition of broadcast vs. New Media because the hierarchy advertises these products to us, making us feel as if this product is unique and just for the consumer. The participant can choose whether or not it meets his needs or interests, usually tricking us into purchasing it.

2-What is the relationship between rampant consumerism and cultural/ecological collapse?

– We all see commercials and advertisements selling their products everyday. In order to be a part of our society, we are told that we need to shop. Our country has the understanding that we need to consume in order to succeed. However, this is just a scheme to make the richer richer, and the poorer poorer. When we buy up these goods, do we really know where they came from and the story behind which it was made? It may seem like we were in an economical growth, but the pattern turned elsewhere. More and more people are getting excluded and getting forced into lives with a greater desperation. Forest systems are collapsing, coral reef systems are getting destroyed and rivers are being polluted greatly. Nature is slowing being destroyed to they point that soon it could be gone forever and will not be able to provide the resources we truly need.