As explained in a separate document (Towards a Generic Global Issue Statement: evoking an instructive pattern of unquestionable responses, 2009), the text which follows is the result of an experiment in deriving a generic template for the articulation of controversial issues.
The text which follows is derived from the statement by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran on the occasion of the UN Durban Review Conference on Racism and Racial Discrimination (Geneva, 21 April 2009). Terms in the contents of that statement, as detailed in the separate explanation, have been colour coded according to the system below. In that form they are presented in a separate colour coded version of the original statement.
Those colour coded terms have been replaced in what follows here by generic terms -- identified as the headers below. Potentially, in an interactive mode, this would then allow users to select preferred terms -- notably for problematic issues other than racism. The document could then be "refreshed" with the terms selected by the user. This phase has not yet been activated -- although the original colour coded version indicates how it might appear for one such set of choices.
Any reservations regarding this methodology are provided in the separate explanation. This includes comments on the source document for this experiment, namely the statement by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran.
Colour coding of
references in statement text (below) |
Indicative options (menus) |
Transcendental appeal framework (and exemplars) | 1 |
Values reference with goals justifying any remedial action taken | 2 |
Conference reference title of event focusing on the problematic issue | 3 |
Problematic issue it is desirable to eliminate in light of values | 4 |
Problematic constituency viewed as primarily sustaining the problematic issue | 5 |
Complicit forces in sustaining the problematic issue | 6 |
Problematic actions associated with sustaining problematic issue | 7 |
Pretext reference as rationale for sustaining problematic actions | 8 |
Exemplary victims of problematic issue and associated actions | 9 |
Problematic consequences of sustaining problematic actions | ? |
? |
This web page can currently be refreshed in one of two versions (with the methodological explanation in a separate document):
To review this page as indicated, select either Version 1 or Version 2. Or check range of menu options
Generic Template Issue Statement |
Let us take a look at the UN Security Council which
is one of the legacies of the World War One and World War Two. What
was the logic behind their granting themselves the Veto rights?
How can such a logic comply with [Value
reference] values?
Could it be in (con)formity with the recognized principles
of [Value reference],
or rather with [Problematic actions] ?
That Council is the highest decision-making world body for safeguarding
the international peace and security. How can we expect the realization
of justice and peace when discrimination is
legalized and the origin of law is dominated by [Problematic
actions] rather than by justice and the right? [orchestrated walkout by offended parties] What are the root causes of [Problematic
actions] ? Was the
motive behind the invasion of Iraq anything other than the arrogance
of the then U.S. administration and mounting pressure on the part
of the owner of wealth and power to expand their sphere of influence
seeking the interests of giant arms-manufacturing companies, effacing
a noble culture with thousands of years of historical background,
eliminating a potential and practical threats of Muslim countries
against the usurper [Problematic constituency],
or to control and plunder energy resources of the Iraqi people?
Why indeed almost a million people were killed and injured and a
few more millions were displaced and became homeless? Who are responsible for the current global economic crises? Where did the crises start from? From Africa? Or was that first from the [Complicit forces]? For a long time:
Mr. President, Ladies and gentlemen, [Problematic issue] is rooted
in lack of knowledge concerning the truth of human existence
[Value reference].
It is also the product of his deviation from the true path of
human life and the obligation of mankind in the world of creation.
Failing to [Value
reference],
not being able to think about the philosophy of life, or the
path to perfection that are the main ingredients of
[Value reference] values
have restricted the horizon of human outlook, making transient and
limited interests a yardstick for his actions. This is why the cells
of devil's power took shape and expanded its realm of power by depriving
others from enjoying equitable and just opportunities. The result
has been the making of an unbridled [Problematic
issue] that
is posing the most serious threat against the international peace. Today [the] human community is facing a kind of
[Problematic issue] which
has tarnished the image of humanity in the beginning of the third
millennium. The [Problematic constituency] personifies
[Problematic issue] that
falsely resorts to religion and abuse[s] religious sentiments
to hide their hatred and ugly faces. However it is of great importance
to bring into focus the political goals of some of the world powers
and those who control huge economic interests and wealth in the
world. They mobilize all their resources including their economic
and political influence and world media to render support to the
[Problematic constituency] and
maliciously endeavor to diminish the indignity and disgrace of
this regime. This is not simply a question of ignorance and one
can not conquer these ugly phenomena through cultural campaign.
Efforts must be made to put an end to the abuse by [Problematic
constituency] and
their supporters of political and international means and in respect
of the will and aspirations of nations, governments must be encouraged
and supported in their fights aimed at eradicating this barbaric
[Problematic
issue] and
to move towards reforming the current international mechanisms. The world is going through fundamental changes. Power relations have become so weak and fragile. The sound of cracks in the pillars of world oppression can now be heard. Major political and economic structures are at the brink of collapse. Political and security crises are on the rise. The worsening crisis in the world economy for which there can be seen no bright prospect amply demonstrate the rising tide of far-reaching global changes. I have repeatedly emphasized the need to change the wrong direction through which the world is being managed today. I have also warned of the dire consequences of any delay in this crucial responsibility. Now, in this august and valuable event, I would like to announce here to all leaders and thinkers, present in this conference who are devoted to the cause of peace, freedom, progress, and human well-being that the inequitable and unjust management of the world is now at the end of the road. This deadlock was inevitable since the logic of this imposed management was oppressive. The logic of collective management of world affairs is based on noble aspirations which centers on human beings and the supremacy of the [Transcendental appeal]. Therefore it defies any policy or plan which goes against the interests of nations. Victory of the right over the wrong and establishment of a just world system have been promised by God and His messengers and it has been a shared goal of human being[s] from different societies and generations in the course of history. Realization of such a future depends on the knowledge of the creation and is the belief in the hearts of all the faithful. The making of a global society is in fact the accomplishment
of a noble goal heralding the establishment of a common global
system that will be run with the participation of all nations
of the world in all major and basic decision-makings and the definite
route to this sublime goal. Scientific and technical capacities
as well as communication technologies has created a common and
widespread understanding of the world society and has provided
the necessary ground for a common system. Now it is incumbent
upon all intellectuals, thinkers and policy makers in the world
to carry out their historical responsibility with firm belief
to this definite route.
To move in [the] direction of justice and human
dignity is like the natural rapid flow in [the] current of a river.
Lest we forget the essence of love and affection. The promised
bright future of the human being [is] a great asset that may serve
our purpose in keeping us together to build a new world full of
[Value reference] .
A world void of poverty and hatred meriting the increasing
[Value reference] of [Transcendental
appeal] and the righteous managing
of the perfect human being. Let us all join hands in amity in
playing our share in the fulfillment of such [a] decent new world. |
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