Does the West Seem 'Evil'?

The notion of the West appearing evil can be traced back to the perception that the West is often in conflict with fundamental human rights and moral values. While this perspective varies based on individual viewpoints, an in-depth analysis reveals a complex narrative of both deeply rooted issues and evolving practices.

Western Views on Work Rights

One can argue that the West, particularly the Western capitalist model, appears antagonistic towards workers' rights. Over the years, Western governments have often moved policies that erode such rights, particularly during economic downturns:

From my personal experience, born and raised in the UK, the shift from casual work to Zero-hour contracts exemplifies these changes. By my mid-20s, casual work transformed into Zero-hour contracts, where individuals could be hired and fired arbitrarily to circumvent worker protections. Even Labour governments, supposedly advocating for workers' rights, codified these changes, removing rights for temporary workers regarding sick pay and holiday pay. Such changes were further exacerbated by Conservative administrations, who introduced provisions allowing for dismissal without cause for up to 24 months.

However, these practices are not isolated to the UK. Similar trends can be witnessed across many Western countries. The shift away from stable employment to precarious work conditions is a global phenomenon, impacting millions of workers worldwide.

Morality, Hypocrisy, and Perceptions

When we say that the West is 'evil,' it is often synonymous with hypocrisy. Take, for example, Michael Browder, a financier and arms broker. Condemned in Russia for tax fraud, he found refuge in the United States and is now considered a hero by the West. This raises questions about the moral compass guiding Western countries and whether they uphold their principles consistently.

The concept that the West is a direction rather than a moral force is compelling. Good and evil are attributes of individual actions and not of a direction or culture. Hence, it is essential to scrutinize each action of a nation, irrespective of its cultural background.

A Personal Perspective

I too, was born, raised, and currently live in America. I appreciate both Eastern and Western cultures, recognizing their unique strengths and weaknesses. While the East may sometimes perceive Western cultures with disdain, such sentiments are often rooted in misunderstandings and lack of personal experience.

I align more closely with Western culture, mainly due to the value it places on individuality. In Western cultures, people can express and pursue their wants and desires freely, a concept that is not always present in the more tribal nature of Eastern cultures. This emphasis on individuality is a significant aspect that distinguishes Western societies from others and is deeply cherished by many individuals.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

From a broader historical and cultural standpoint, the West's actions have often been marked by hypocrisy, colonialism, and the application of scientific and technological advancements to highly detrimental ends. For instance, the development of nuclear power and germ warfare falls under the category of science and technology misused for harm.

Further, the spread of Christianity to regions where it was deemed unnecessary has historically caused conflicts and pitted civilizations against one another. The West has also meddled in the affairs of more backward cultures, with scrutiny often targeted at white nations, exemplifying the tendency for Western powers to be held accountable and evaluated more rigorously.

In conclusion, the perception of the West as evil is a complex one, often fueled by genuine issues of hypocrisy and historical wrongs. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, we can better understand the nuanced relationship between East and West and foster a more informed and respectful dialogue.