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Multicultural Moments - a periodic newsletter ezine with brief items of note on our multicultural lives.
 

#10.04.04*

As we approach a new year it's timely to reflect on the past, particularly in this season of good will.  Although the news media remind us regularly of what's not working, we need more reminders of what is working.

In reviewing my files the following message caught my eye:  "Life Is Getting Better."  When many statistical measures are examined it becomes clear that most people all over the globe are experiencing vast improvements over the past.

For example, people in the United States are more inclined to practice self-restraint, commitment and personal responsibility.  Life expectancy has increased for all socioeconomic groups (from age 30 in 1900 to age 67 today).  We are better educated (25% over age 25 hold college degrees vs. 7.7% in 1960).  The median income for white households rose 19% from 1980-2000 and 39% for black families from a lower base.  Only about 12% of families were below the poverty line in 2002, compared with 22% in 1960.  The crime rate in America has declined 50% since 1980.

Positive trends also appear globally.  In developing countries where food availability is paramount, the rate of starvation declined to 18% from 35% in 1970, and the United Nations projects it will have declined to 12% by the year 2010.  The U.N. also states that poverty has been reduced more in the last 50 years than in the previous 500 years in most countries.

Who gets the credit?  The millions of individuals who have worked to improve their own lives and those of others.  A testimonial to human capabilities was displayed in Athens, Greece during the summer Olympics to celebrate what people can achieve through dedicated effort.                                 
                             (Reference:  George Melloan, Wall Street Journal August 17, 2004)

Other headlines highlight how globalization has accelerated as companies look abroad for lower costs and new markets to fuel growth.  This has resulted in rapid wage growth in developing nations (creating more consumers) and, at the same time, has not reduced labor-cost savings for those seeking new profitable markets, providing more opportunity for local job growth.
                                            (Reference:  Workforce Management December 2004)

In addition, numerous companies publish accounts regularly about how effective "diversity" programs increase productivity and generate positive results for employees and customers.

Personally, I must agree with the premise that life is improving, despite the frequent challenges we all still face.  When I think back over my lifetime I see vast improvements all around me, particularly with interpersonal relations among all cultural groups.  How has this happened?  I have to think the efforts we place on developing and maintaining participative relationships with others, recognizing and acknowledging their viewpoints and working cooperatively toward mutual goals are major contributors to this  success.  I have witnessed such progress countless times in the groups with whom I have worked, often through the discovery within themselves of the answers to their questions stimulated by catalysts from their own multicultural environment.  It only happens when we open ourselves up to the possibilities.

May your own efforts have such success as you travel toward a brighter future.

JUDITH  STARKEY   
Multicultural Strategies                   
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Copyright © 2009 The Starkey Group, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.  Originally published December 2004.

Feel free to share this newsletter with others.  For permission to reproduce this newsletter in a publication contact:

 Judith A. Starkey, President
 The Starkey Group, Inc.
 3180 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 17G
 Chicago, Illinois 60657-4867 USA
 Phone:  773 348 0421
 Fax:  773 348 3683
 E-Mail:  jas@StarkeyGrp.com or StarkeyGrp@aol.com
 Website:  www.StarkeyGrp.com

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Contact Us
Judith A. Starkey, President
The Starkey Group, Inc.
3180 N. Lake Shore Drive, Suite 17G
Chicago, Illinois 607657-4867 USA
Phone:  773 348 0421
Fax:  773 348 3683
E-Mail:  jas@StarkeyGrp.com or StarkeyGrp@aol.com
Website:  www.StarkeyGrp.com
MultiCultural Strategies

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Copyright © 2011 The Starkey Group, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.  Originally published December 2004