05-11-2024, 12:56 PM
[my humble opinion]
There are relationships, and there are relationships.
I know that many fraternal orders came into existence (or were 'created') as a result of "other" hierarchically structured fraternal orders. I know that many of them are steeped in social standing, and their oaths and rituals are interesting subjects of inquiry. But essentially, they are all hermetic to varying degrees, especially internally. Some of them choose to appear open and benign, some mysterious and complex... but all are an exercise in exploiting the concept of 'self-serving' agendas.
China, is another matter. That culture has had an extra thousand years to coalesce into an ideology which fully embraces the idea of "us" and "them" with an eye towards "anything not 'us' has to be 'wrangled' and 'controlled." It is a logical choice where exercising "oppression" is the epitome of "safety" and every thing from 'outside' is characterized with 'fear.'
In a world where everything not "us" is antagonist, and "order members are to be supported irrespective of any other consideration" these kinds of relationships will rise again and again. As they have throughout history.
I agree that we have a problem, that 'social' hierarchy has been exploited to oppress. And China is not 'hiding it' as the West habitually has. It's not too surprising that S&B seized an opportunity with China, or that China exploits the relationship... however, they will not always operate together... the wheel turns... as it always does.
Hubris is the downfall of all 'supreme' ideologies, hubris is also the downfall of all 'fraternal organizations' every. single. one.
Perhaps it has always been so, or things might be different today.
There are relationships, and there are relationships.
I know that many fraternal orders came into existence (or were 'created') as a result of "other" hierarchically structured fraternal orders. I know that many of them are steeped in social standing, and their oaths and rituals are interesting subjects of inquiry. But essentially, they are all hermetic to varying degrees, especially internally. Some of them choose to appear open and benign, some mysterious and complex... but all are an exercise in exploiting the concept of 'self-serving' agendas.
China, is another matter. That culture has had an extra thousand years to coalesce into an ideology which fully embraces the idea of "us" and "them" with an eye towards "anything not 'us' has to be 'wrangled' and 'controlled." It is a logical choice where exercising "oppression" is the epitome of "safety" and every thing from 'outside' is characterized with 'fear.'
In a world where everything not "us" is antagonist, and "order members are to be supported irrespective of any other consideration" these kinds of relationships will rise again and again. As they have throughout history.
I agree that we have a problem, that 'social' hierarchy has been exploited to oppress. And China is not 'hiding it' as the West habitually has. It's not too surprising that S&B seized an opportunity with China, or that China exploits the relationship... however, they will not always operate together... the wheel turns... as it always does.
Hubris is the downfall of all 'supreme' ideologies, hubris is also the downfall of all 'fraternal organizations' every. single. one.
Perhaps it has always been so, or things might be different today.
