NationStates Jolt Archive

The Oxford dictionary defines Social Engineering as "the use of sociological principals in approaching social problems"

Now that sounds straightforward and harmless enough don't it?

To hear Conservatives hiss the phrase, you'd think SE was pathology worse than paedophilia. SE is said by them to be some Liberal conspiracy designed to bamboozle us all into accepting a godless, amoral, socialist World Government. Yikes!

Others might say that social ills like racism, homophobia, smoking, unhealthy living, environmental polluting, sexual assault etc have arguably been reduced in many countries by activist governments persuading us to improve ourselves - what might be called benign SE.

It seems that SE is a big taboo in the U.S. - but does it go on there anyway? I think people from other western countries are perhaps more used to SE and less scared of the idea.

Your admirable thoughts please.

Find it amusing that there was no liberal definition given.

I will give it a swing for you. SE is a tool used by conservatives to never allow change to happen in America. Change for better or change for worse i.e. "Stay the course.". This is bound to bring on the downfall of America as we know it.

Find it amusing that there was no liberal definition given.

Huh? Look again at the last two opposing choices - one Liberal, the other Conservative.

Liberal conspiracy designed to bamboozle us all into accepting a godless, amoral, socialist World Government. Yikes!

What, exactly, is wrong with that? That would be the greatest thing ever and I'm not kidding.

But, in any case, I voted for: It's helped Conservatives keep their grip on power

I voted the third option, but it's not quite right; social engineering is more or less a constant thing.

:shock: Could this very forum be considered a tool of social engeniering?

Guilty of trying to engineer a place where people question things. :)

(bump)

I think we should all adhere to Christ's values of society... charity, forgivenss, tolerance, and complete disregard of skin color and nationality.

The world would be so much better off if we actually listened to the Son of God... the guy's kinda important ya know!

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.howso?

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.howso?

It's one of humanity's most powerful technologies of social control.

If you don't do what the good priest says you are evil and going straight to hell! If you're a good follower yet still get persecuted, that's okies you'll be rewarded in the next life. Disagree? BEGONE FOUL HERETIC!

Basically it's a way of keeping a populace subservient and easy to deal with.

Just look at a cult, see how effective the techniques used are.

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.howso?

That assumption is based on an assumed lack of reality to religion. If a given religion teaches the truth, then by definition, it is not social engineering, but in fact a constant reality. Social engineering would then by definition be an attempt to change that reality.

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.howso?

That assumption is based on an assumed lack of reality to religion. If a given religion teaches the truth, then by definition, it is not social engineering, but in fact a constant reality. Social engineering would then by definition be an attempt to change that reality.

Name one true religion.

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.howso?

That assumption is based on an assumed lack of reality to religion. If a given religion teaches the truth, then by definition, it is not social engineering, but in fact a constant reality. Social engineering would then by definition be an attempt to change that reality.

Name one true religion.

Now that has to be a "kiss of death" question to answer :-) Firstly, there are many religions. However, you asked me to name a true religion. I'll say Christianity. What say you?

Organized religion is one of the more pervasive forms of social engineering.howso?

That assumption is based on an assumed lack of reality to religion. If a given religion teaches the truth, then by definition, it is not social engineering, but in fact a constant reality. Social engineering would then by definition be an attempt to change that reality.

Name one true religion.

Now that has to be a "kiss of death" question to answer :-) Firstly, there are many religions. However, you asked me to name a true religion. I'll say Christianity. What say you?

I say that if you encountered a fence with a sign on it reading "Danger: electrified fence" you'd relieve yourself on it anyway.