Provocate.org

Should American companies do the right thing because it’s the right thing or because it’s the profitable thing? Does it make a difference to how the world sees the US? (more…)

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If the world’s global public health threats are going to be addressed seriously, the United States will have to take the lead. But does that mean the government in DC or American citizens … or both? (more…)

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Former U.S. Congressman, co-chair of the 9/11 Commission and Iraq Study Group, and member of the War Powers Commission…. Lee Hamilton = The Statesman’s Statesman (more…)

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Four perspectives on American global power: (1) America is rapidly declining to irrelevancy (thank goodness); (2) America is facing the rise of new wannabe empires, so has to accommodate them in cooperative institutions; (3) reports of America’s decline have been rmapant since before the US rose, and are still premature (thank goodness); (4) like it or not, for good or for ill the US will be Top Dog for a long time, but that shouldn’t distract us from figuring out how we here can help solve global problems. Guess which is Provocate’s preferred position? (more…)

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How can we learn from the best wisdom the world’s cultures have to offer? Three works of African art from the IMA collection will frame this conversation. For example, the Songye people in Congo bring out a statue in times of crisis to inspire the community’s collective imagination. What equivalent “community power figures” might spark imaginative discussions about local challenges? Begin with an optional tour that highlights these art works. (more…)

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Where does imagination reside? Who or what is cultivating the practice of imagination? When are social, religious, and cultural boundaries appropriate? What is needed to unleash public imagination in ways that benefit our communities’ economic, social, and cultural health? These are just a few of the thought-provoking questions that will be explored across the city through performances, dance, panel discussions, exhibits, workshops, and more during the 2008 Spirit & Place Festival. (more…)

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Noted chef and restaurant (Chez Panisse) owner Alice Waters speaking on the subject of “Slow Food” (as opposed to fast food), the moral virtues of eating at home instead of going out to Chez Panisse, and “edible schoolyards.” (more…)

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Sixty four works demonstrate how long-held artistic traditions of the Inuit inspire contemporary sculptures, prints, fiber art, photography and digital media. All of these forms reflect Inuit societal values of family, community, and worldview expressed through Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (Inuit Traditional Knowledge). (more…)

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The Dignity Center of the Orchard School plans to bring Majora Carter to Indianapolis for a conference to help kids become engaged in the community and the world. They are organizing a community forum to help stimulate action by adults as well as kids. Details are being settled at this moment. (more…)

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The US and China may seem inevitably at odds over democracy, global leadership, treatment of dissent, and so on. Why does it seem as though their interests are so much in alignment? And is that a good thing? (more…)

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