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Cultures change gradually, one person at a time. Forcing cultural change is based on an idea that has never worked. I.e., Perfect humans by perfecting the environment. This was tried by Mao Tse Tung and the Gang of Four, by Pol Pot in Cambodia, by Stalin.  HIstory teaches this lesson; I did not make this up in a personal reverie.


At the core is a utopian image that is nothing more than the creation of some other human mind -- "with a great idea."  We have to take a look at history to see how faulty these movements have been. The roles of oppressor and victim are simply shifted, oppression and victimization continue nonetheless. Usually carnage accompanies forceful efforts to change things to suit the new ideology.


It is not working in India where Naxolites have given women equality with the right hand, but with the left hand are terrorizing villagers who do not cooperate.


Supporting a democratic process that introduces laws, which that enfranchise and offer workable alternatives to cultural mind sets has a better track record. But that takes time and patience, and brave people who are willing to buck deeply entrenched norms.


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