When Mahatma Gandhi was asked what he thought of Western civilization, he was reported to have said: “I think it would be a good idea.” Thumbing through the last five centuries, I am inclined to agree. Consider this slice of history from the Jamaican perspective, for example.
Jamaica, or Xaymaca as it was called by the dark-skinned indigenous Taíno people who inhabited it for thousands of years prior to Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1494, is the third largest island of the Greater Antilles. It is a beautiful island, decorated with majestic hills and perfumed by clean sea breezes.
The Spaniards called the Taíno, who had likely emigrated from the northern coast of South America long before their arrival, a “peaceful, primitive people.” Unfortunately for the Taíno, the supposedly civilized Europeans brought with them unfamiliar diseases and greed that knew no bounds. The natives soon perished under the cruel hand and aggressive nature of the white man and with them went the tranquil and happy living that had complemented the island’s natural abundance for many, many years.
The Atlantic slave trade ushered in a new crop of workers to help fulfill the Spaniards’ and then the Briton’s (who took Jamaica from Spain in 1655) lofty ambitions. By the early 19th century, people of African descent greatly outnumbered ethnic Europeans as Jamaica had become an important destination in the infamous “Middle Passage.”
Yet through this all the people of Jamaica have maintained a decency and kindness that is so often lost in the name of progress and civilization. I met a Jamaican man named Mark this morning, whose love of nature and desire to explore the world will likely take him somewhere, someday. I met another named Desmond, whose impressive gentleness was matched only by his height (rarely do I at 6’2″ have to look up when I meet someone new). Jamaica, I believe, is possessed by a fundamentally peace-loving people.
An independent nation since 1962, Jamaica remains a close partner to the United States, despite the abuses wrought by early Americans (in the 18th and 19th centuries). There is an undercurrent in its people of a certain sweetness and kind-heartedness that tends to get stamped out when civilizations advance and I, for one, feel blessed to have received it at the hand of so many generous people over the course of this weekend.
As I mentioned, Gandhi made an excellent point. Most would argue that the Western world has come quite a distance over the last few centuries, but I would say that we have a long way to go before we really earn the title: “civilized.”
“A no ebryting kum fram abuv a blessen” – Jamaican Proverb
[Translation: “Not everything that comes from above is a blessing.”]
Gregory Hake 
I think, if Gandhi were here today, he would probably still say the same thing. Unfortunately, for all we believe in our civilization, it is a thin veneer over a dark absence. It is our responsibility – each and every person’s – to bring the light of civilization into the world every moment of every day, it is only in this way that we can ever hope to have a world that is civilized.
Another way to think about it: do we have integrity enough to do the right thing even when there is no hope of someone else noticing? Do we demand that of ourselves?
LikeLike
I had an opportunity to attend a workshop on cultural diversity not long ago and several people were from other countries. One thing that came up was that, for most, it was a culture shock in the attempt to make friends here. They had an image of America being one way and found it quite different. Even those who joined a church, which had been a place in their homeland for deep friendships, found it difficult to engage with others on a deeper level. That says something about the American lifestyle I think. These days, people rarely extend themselves to get to know the neighbor next door. I work with some Jamaicans and have found them fun to work with as well as sincere. Relationships are important to them. Americans have so many resources that other countries don’t have that you’d think we would willingly extend ourselves. Instead, it sometimes seems to be the other way around.
LikeLike
We certainly do have a long way to go. Just the simple acts of kindness and graciousness are so often lost and forgotten, even among those we love. It’s good to take some time this Sunday morning and consider how civilized we actually are.
LikeLike
I’d like to say that was a tragic time in history but alas I’ve read there are still many areas of the world that slavery is still a fact. Civilized behavior has three components; social, cultural and moral. What western culture can boast of having fully developed all three to the point of having a peaceful nation, safe for all their people? I agree with Gandhi, it is a good idea.
LikeLike
I believe what is often forgotten is that each individual makes up a community, and each community becomes the nation. Each of us is constantly “creating”, with thoughts, actions, and emotions. All of these sparks flowing from the hearts of humanity outward. If we can remove the errors of self, we righteously change our worlds. As Mahatma said “western civilization is a good idea”, but sadly it seems that we have moved further away from its purer concepts, lost in a maze of greed. Greed for things which are truly so temporary, and yet we sacrifice all of our potential greatness for them. And we become sadly blind to our purpose.
LikeLike