RISD / Johnson and Wales: Cuba's response

I have been analyzing your first problem, which I have labeled 'RISD vs JW'. I believe it is a basic, most important and still to be solved social problem

Given the background you have described in your message, how to encourage interaction between the two schools?

First, I should begin by saying that I think it is not just probable but dead sure that J&W students think you are snobs. The reason is simple you have resources and opportunities that they cannot possibly have. And I might also add that the majority of them don't believe every one of you deserves them, and some may further consider that this state of affairs is unfair, don't you?

This is the inevitable result of a millenary problem* a society divided in social classes, of which one is the dominating minority and the other is the popular majority with limited power and resources, although, theoretically, it can elect a government that represents its interests. The latter, however, on account of the way the modern so-called democratic societies are structured, couldn't be further from the truth these days!

So, what can we do?

You might convoke forums on certain relatively politically neutral subjects such as painting, drawing, sculpture, music, theater, TV, personal health care, protection of the environment, etc. inviting students from both schools to discuss and propose solutions or try to solve or work directly on the solution of problems in these fields. In this process, members of both schools would surely acquire valuable knowledge about each other and themselves, a more objective point of view of society and social problems in general, and would most likely find that there are some nice guys among their neighbors and strike good friendships.

You might also have some competitions such as chess matches, English compositions (which might be short stories, accounts of vital, significant, decisive or simply amusing personal experiences or philosophical observations on life and people, like love, happiness, mental health, etc.). And there might be some surprisesÉ In case of any outstanding results, your school might offer some kind of assistance to those that show real talent.

Actions of this kind will not solve the overall social problem, but ease your human and social concern about your alienation from your neighbors. In fact, it might become an example to imitateÉ

How about it?

I look forward to your reaction.

Luis

P.S. I recently finished reading a book called 'The Ancient Greeks', by M.I. Finley, copyright 1963, reprinted many times by Pelican Books, History, Archaeology ISBN 0 14 02.0812 7 It is an interesting socio-political and economic analysis of Ancient Greece and it shows how the Athenian City-States had alarmingly similar problems 2,500 years ago that our present society has not yet solved!

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