Extraterrestrial Contact: Fault Lines

http://www.firstcontact29.blogspot.com/

I believe that problematic reactions in human society will form along familiar fault lines in the wake of First Contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. However, those fault lines could resonate and grow in new and unexpected directions. In the same way that geologists track changes in the earth’s crust to detect the probability of earthquakes, social scientists, governments and institutions will need to track public perception. Humans will need active and sustained research to inform world leaders and the public at large. Collectively, we will need to hold up a thoughtful mirror to humanity and carefully evaluate how we are reacting to First Contact. Communication and decision-making should follow from a close examination of that human reaction. The danger After First Contact will come in knee-jerk responses and in a failure to predict where things will go next.

Ultimately, the monitoring of public perception can inform us of ways to move forward. Many concerns and worries will be quite legitimate. Humanity won’t come up with the answers for how to move forward After First Contact immediately. It will be a process of discussion, debate and revision. That involves listening to the world public- each and every nation, people of many religions and cultural backgrounds. This isn’t a process for the most wealthy of nations, particular blocs of nations or the so-called “free world.” This is a process for all of humanity.

Concerns, worries, rumors, misinformation and confusion can turn into fear if not addressed. Fear can lead to civil unrest. Concerns and worries can also be used by individuals and groups in the promotion of agendas that are ultimately more about retaining and growing power, than the actual concerns or worries.

Humans will be humans.  We will need to listen. We will need to respond.

http://www.firstcontact29.blogspot.com/