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July 27, 2004

Homogeny

Einstein was famous for a scientific idealist. He would see a solution and see how many other areas it applied to. If it randomly explained lots of other things in an extremely elegant way, it was probably true.

Perhaps a decade or so ago we learned (as did the world) that homogeny in agriculture is not a good thing. We found that if we planted the same seeds all over, one virus, pest or other malady had the potential of taking our, not just one crop, as it had in the past, but many crops.

I think there is a general rule here about the negative impact of homogeny on a great many things. We see this negative impact in our media, politics, corporations, and even personal lives. This is never more evident than in our political process. History has shown us that political homogeny is the virus against democracy.

I thought about this as I heard some report on the, still incalculable, implications of the Vons Strike (1, 2, 3, 4). Because Safeway has so many stores in so many places, a labor dispute has ramifications which affect a large and diverse geographic area. As stores like Wal-Mart replace smaller stores, we risk this same large-scale disruption of services if a malady struck them. What kind of malady? Certainly a labor dispute could have that affect. But what if the cost of shipping so many wal-mart goods across the country suddenly increased dramatically. Without local production they would be forced to either drastically raise prices and close stores that were either too expensive to ship to, or could not afford the added price hikes.

This notion of homogeny being a potential pitfall can be seen in our personal lives as well. Those who are one dimensional lose all footing when that one dimension is lost or changed. For some this one dimension is their work, or a single hobby, or a particular group of people. Homogeny in interpersonal relationships also tends to lead to tunnel vision. Without only a single sides view represented we lose sight of other perspectives. Even if we will always disagree with a dissenting viewpoint, it is important for us to be exposed to it so as not to dehumanize the dissenter.

I am not claiming this is an absolute. Its just something to think about.

Posted by wonko at July 27, 2004 11:46 AM

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Comments

Great Point... it often (lately) feels to me like I am treading down that single path more and more. But rather not by choice but by necessity. Responsibilities have shut some doors that used to be open, or become open only when the carpet has been yanked. I know your trip will be excellent, and will serve (selfish perspective moment) as a great inspiration to realize that change is good, and not to get too locked into the single path.

Posted by: falke at July 30, 2004 08:54 AM

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