[URL="http://blog.dawn.com/2010/10/07/the-arrogance-of-another-ill-informed-western-tourist]Martin Seligmans theory[/URL] of learned helplessness comes to mind, it suggests that individuals learn to feel helpless after observing other people going through uncontrollable events. The notion of feeling unable to do anything to improve their situation is unfortunately rife among people living in Pakistan today. The distress caused by these perceived uncontrollable events leads to disruption of emotion, increased aggression and impaired problem-solving, ultimately a vicious circle.
Furthermore, American sociologist Harrison White suggests that the concept of learned helplessness applies not only to individual psychology but also social function. He proposes that when a culture or its political identity fails to accomplish necessary goals, insight into that societys collective ability also suffers....
No support from the masses, no keeping close tabs on wrongdoers by ordinary folks.
Right now many see Pakistan as their milk cow. But if Pakistan starts looking desirable once more, they will see the country as their bride.
Or they seceded entirely. Still, there are enough in the expat community to band together and make their voice heard. That isn't happening.
All the more reason to make all the noise about local injustices that you can. Why worry about Americans occasionally violating the border or distorted notions of an Israel far away when the immediate problem is at home?
Start now!
Sure. One way around this is to take an extremist position openly. That way no one can accuse you of a secret conspiracy in its cause. That could mean you end up in jail, however. Western reformers like Locke and Martin Luther had powerful protectors; John Wilkes did go to jail, but the power of the middle-class mob of Middlesex eventually carried his cause. Wilkes eventually became mayor of London.
Democracy's unquestioned advantage is its ability to throw the bums out. It's disadvantage is that it demands citizen participation. (Otherwise, the country belongs to whoever bankrolls the politicians.) It can be time-consuming, and not nearly as pleasant as wooing a powerful notable to be your best friend. Sorry, those are the breaks.
Some day, I hope.