Newsletter Spring 2009 MBPA Member Speaks Out About the Economy | MBPA Member Speaks Out About the Economy |
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March 2009MBPA Member Speaks Out About the EconomyDr. Andy Carman recently responded to APA President Dr. Bray’s column, Psychology and the crisis in confidence, that appeared in the March 2009 APA Monitor. APA members are encouraged to go to www.apa.org and read the column for context, then read, and ponder, Dr. Carman’s thought-provoking insights and questions. Those who are interested in this topic are encouraged to contact Andy – let’s open a dialogue on this important topic. Dear Dr. Bray, In your March President's Column, I appreciate the emphasis on empowering people with a focus on what they can do, so as to counteract the fear and despair that many are feeling about our economic circumstance. What also seems crucial to consider is What is the "positive perspective" that we are to promote? 1. Is it that the individual can take action to weather the temporary downturn and that we have nothing to fear but fear itself? Or, is it that a dramatic reduction in our consumer consumption is absolutely necessary for the survival of the majority of life on this planet? 2. While it is very painful that millions have lost jobs and homes, is a dramatic reduction in consumption the best and most important change in human behavior that we can hope for in the short term? 3. Is this a regrettable downturn or a tragically delayed correction to the devastating and unsustainable bubble of "consumer confidence?” 4. Is a widespread crisis in confidence in and questioning of the political/financial structure an intelligent reaction? 5. Is individual empowerment most important or is engaging in collective action? 6. Do we promote confidence in the individual to adapt to the current system (where primarily the wealthy increase their wealth and the poor lose power and security), or do we encourage people to be empowered by their sense of justice and equity and organize collectively to create a new system that supports health, safety, and security for the many? 7. Do we encourage people to appreciate the obvious lesson that institutionalized gambling on the Wall Street house of cards is not only risky, but is also not a mature, healthy, adult way of building security for all? 8. Do we encourage people to emancipate themselves from consumer slavery in order to find happiness in family, friends, spirituality, and service to community? I hope it is clear that I would not promote pessimism about the future, but rather, appreciation of the tremendous opportunity for values clarification - that maybe we're not spending so much because we know that we don't really need so much stuff. Do we encourage consumer confidence or consumer responsibility, e.g., by contemplating what is most important, the immediate gratification of (corporate sponsored) consumer urges or choosing what is best for the health and survival of our great grandchildren? Obviously I have opinions about all of this, and I would appreciate hearing yours. Sincerely, |