Registan has been quoting the Baltimore Sun about Iraqis' needs to satisfy basic requirements before being interested in democracy, and how this is not understandable to Americans. This of course begs the question of whether poor Americans believe democracy changes anything for them either.
However leaving that aside, it seems obvious to quote Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, a rather old-fashioned theory of human motivation.
5. Actualization
4. Status (esteem)
3. Love/belonging
2. Safety
1. Physiological (biological needs)
Maslow posits the needs as a pyramid and claims that until the basic lower ones are satisfied, there is little point in worrying about satisfying the higher ones. Democracy must definitely come under no 5 "self- actualisation":
Maslow writes the following of self-actualizing people:
* They embrace the facts and realities of the world (including themselves) rather than denying or avoiding them.
* They are spontaneous in their ideas and actions.
* They are creative.
* They are interested in solving problems; this often includes the problems of others. Solving these problems is often a key focus in their lives.
* They feel a closeness to other people, and generally appreciate life.
* They have a system of morality that is fully internalized and independent of external authority.
* They judge others without prejudice, in a way that can be termed objective.
In short, self-actualization is reaching one's fullest potential.
If you are trying to feed your family and stay alive in Iraq today, self-actualisation must be hardly on the radar screen. Doesn't seem like rocket science to me.
