Realistic? I think they are. Politically correct? Probably not all of them. In no particular order.
•1. English as a universal compulsory language.
I think this first element is a key factor for mutual understanding and tolerance. I could probably write a whole post about it. The fact is that not being a native speaker and learning it has opened unheard-of doors to me. You can really understand a nation and its people when you are able to speak to them. What’s being brought to us (or not) by the media is not good enough.
•2. Blood donation
I suspect all countries have this problem. Most hospitals are always in need of blood donations. Would it be difficult for the government to make it a legal requirement that healthy citizens donate blood?
•3. Your organs at the society’s disposal when you die.
I can already hear some people cringe here. What about a nationwide database attached to your ID that says if you want to give or not your organs? A quick police check after an accident could make it quicker to save lives. I also don’t understand how relatives can choose for you if you’ve never expressed your will anywhere. I think Australians have a system to express their will on their driving licence.
•4. First aid lessons compulsory at school
How difficult is that seriously? How many lives could we save?
•5. The teaching hour.
Now that’s a concept to be worked on I think. We can all teach something. We all have one area of expertise. What about we dedicate one hour per week for those willing to learn about it? That would for sure require a bit of organisation but what a great way to rise up everybody’s skills. You teach and also you’re taught on what you need, should you want to participate as a student. All free of course.
•6. 3-day week end.
That probably sounds like a joke for some but I do think it’s possible. I’ll definitely post on this soon. There is a lot to say about it. For now all I can say is that I am convinced our efficiency could be crammed in 4 days instead of 5. I know a lot of “busy” people who spend a fair amount of time on facebook each day for instance. (Nothing against facebook, don’t take me wrong) 3-day week end would mean a proper time off for people. Some time to engage in personal projects, more time for the family, week ends away and the assurance to be more refreshed on Mondays and thus more effective! I don’t think many will argue with that one but I think it’s feasible.
•7. One good deed a week
What a better place it would be if people could strive to selflessness once a week, one good deed without expecting anything in return. Examples you might ask! http://www.dontalmostgive.org/ActsOfKindness/ or http://www.karmawish.com
•8. Religion day
What about one day during scholarship when all different members of all religions send someone to explain what their faith is about. Kids could freely ask questions and think for themselves. This could only lead to better mutual understanding and tolerance.
- Food store waste
Where I am from food store throw away food approaching expiry dates leading to arguments and fights on the street between homeless and beggars. Mc donalds goes as far as pouring detergents on the food before throwing it away. Nonsense. What about a collecting system every night that would bring all this unwanted food to one place where it could be handed away properly?
- What’s yours?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I guess we can also add “to always keep smiling”, smiling to other people even if you don’t know them; gives them hope in life… it makes you believe in a better future, some say it might be nonsence, but I have been smiling most of my life,even when crisis comes, I smile and go on.
Why English? Why not Mandarin because more people speak of it…
@jackie – the point is ofte discussed: why english and not mandarin.
I think the issue that more people speak mandarin as “first” langauage doesn t mean that in total more people speak Mandarin, as there are many people who speak English as second language and if we want to find a languag that we can communicate together with, we have to find focus on the language that is most spoken between nations and different cultures. I guess this would be english.
Another point is that knowledge is power and most of the knowledge that matters in our global power structures is only avaible in english. so there is certain need to give more people the chance to learn english, as most of the time the people of the mass don t speak it and can therefor not articulate there protest, needs or opinions…