| Chapters 10-13 can be read quickly. Recall that, for Barber, Jihad and McWorld can only be understood, in fact, can only exist, in juxtaposition. This will be further elaborated in Part Three. In Part Two, Barber argues that what he terms "fundamentalist" tendencies--whever the religious context--manifest themselves in various parts of the world, as they war for "the conflicted soul of the new generation" (p. 193). Barber lays out his case in Chapter 14, once again insisting that "Jihad" is not confined to the Islamic world. What does he mean by Jihad? Is it particicularly antithetical to democracy? Why? What does he mean by an "American jihad"? Do you agree with his characterization? The most important three paragraphs in Part Two are the last three in Chapter 14, contrasting McWorld and Jihad, and the most "negative" forms of each. Be sure you understand what Barber is trying to explain, here. By "moral topography," does he mean the same thing as "social ecology" (Bellah et al.) Why or why not? Remember that the book was written before 9/11/01. The "Introduction" was an effort to bring his basic case up to date. Do you think he changed anything essential to his argument? Share your ideas in the Discussion Area. |
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