Today at work, my fellow front desk employee posed me with a thought-provoking question: What would Mother Theresa be like as a world leader?
That got me to thinking, 'Maybe she's right, maybe what this world needs is less leaders like George Bush, and more leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.' I mean, can we even begin to think of all the possibilities that such a change could generate?
Well, I did, and here's a few of the ways I think our world would be a better place:
- Instead of McDonalds, we'd have soup kitchens in every neighborhood.
- Habits would become the new style for women, with a zany new way to wear them coming out every six months or so.
- Rather than going to war, countries would use conscientious objection and send soldiers to large sit-ins at enemy cafeterias.
- Bono would finally be sainted, his three miracles officially listed as 1) The close comparison between his voice and that of Metatron, 2) Getting Edge to smile, and 3) Ensuring that Arizona continues to observe MLK Jr. Day.
- As part of a new governmental regulation, Smith and Wesson would develop a new gun: a potato launcher called the 'Famine Buster.'
- Where pro wrestling used to entertain the masses, pro meditation will hit like a storm. Vince McMahon would become a zen master and WWE would come to stand for 'World Wide Enlightenment.'
- Dingy robes would become the new style for men, with a zany new way to wear them coming out every six months or so.
- In an effort to get in touch with the younger generation, Gandhi would produce, and breakdance, in a new Fatboy Slim remix - 'Weapon of Choice: Passivism.'
- Instead of jails, new 'learning centers' would be instated. These centers would be based upon the principle of educating criminals who voluntarily turn themselves in.
- Police would become 'mentors' under this new system, and shows like 'Law & Order' and 'Oz' would be replaced with 'Touched By a Correctional Officer.'
- Instead of the 'delete' key, computers worldwide would feature the 'reconsider' key.
- The "Where's the beef?" guy would be replaced with the "Where's the rice?" guy.
Of course, this is just the short list. I'm certain that, given much more time and thought, a more comprehensive list of pros and cons could be developed. Even so, I think we can all begin to see the benefits.
I don't think women would all sport habits. I don't think Mother Theresa would perpetuate that kind of patriarchy. Your post leaves much to consider and I'm sure I'll have more thoughtful things to add in the next few days. I wish it were the reality, however.
Posted by: Lara at April 19, 2004 12:43 PM