Everybody’s out for themselves.
As if society isn't already weird enough, WEIRD societies are those characterised by being Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich and Democratic.
Living in America, UK or Australia; we’re some of the WEIRDest people on the planet.
We also live in the most individualised societies in the world where priority number one is to live your life to your fullest potential in a manner you see fit and to hell if anyone disagrees with you.
But, is the “everybody’s out for themselves” attitude eroding our sense of community and belonging?
May I present to you, “WEIRD Societies”, a poem by Martyn Foster.
What a time to be alive
Everyone’s a winner baby, that’s no lie
Individuals take no pity, when it’s all a
Rat race like New York City
Don’t look down, only to the sun
You don’t need to see who you’ve trodden on
Weird has but not one shape and size
Education for the masses, religious or otherwise
Individuals will never be the same
Realise we need sorting
Demonstrate your competence
You’ll see “life is not a game”
What is the West?
East it is not
Industrialised and
Rich
Different?
Yeah, maybe we’re not.
We pretend to care
Except we don’t, we just stare
In reality we isolate, we hang out to dry
Ranting and raving, we despair and we cry
Do our needs really come first?
Yes, but not until others have quenched their thirst
Why democracy? What is the goal?
Equality in law and fairness for all
I have my doubts, some want to not allow
Ruled by a mob, ruled by a crowd
Democratic man has to compromise his individuality
You have to, for the benefit of all society
We’re at a crossroads
Every human being has an optimal mode
Is this a way of life we still value?
Ready for revolution are you?
Democracy is dead!
You yell instead
WEIRD is all I got, WEIRD is all I know
Energy, food, inflation – a crisis come sand or snow
I like being WEIRD, but it’s not without its flaws
Resting on our laurels, problems can no longer be ignored
Don’t leave a fallen man behind, no rest until the work is done
You look that demon in the eye and say “you don’t know me, son!”
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