Sex at Dawn

Exploring the evolutionary origins of modern sexuality.

Christopher Ryan, Ph.D. is co-author of Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality (HarperCollins 2010). See full bio

January 14, 2009, Health

Comments on "Brian Williams Imagines a Place..."

Brian Williams Imagines a Place...

By Christopher Ryan on January 14, 2009 in Sex at Dawn

Tonight on the NBC Nightly News, Brian Williams introduced a segment on recent attempts in Massachusetts by asking viewers to "Imagine a place where just about everyone has health insurance..." Can you imagine such a place? Read More

But...

Submitted by Becky on January 14, 2009 - 7:19am.

We have multiculturism because so many diverse people immigrate here due to the opportunities afforded by capitalism. Foreigners turned Americans are often the biggest patriots of all. Obvioulsy there are hidden blockades but on a raw level, anyone with a marketable idea can attempt to promote it here in the United States. That leads to creative expression and scientific advancement.

But...

Submitted by Christopher Ryan on January 14, 2009 - 7:28am.

Hi Becky, Thanks for commenting again. I'd agree with your point overall, but note that the examples I used (re: jazz, rock and roll) certainly didn't "immigrate" because of capitalism -- unless you include slavery to be part of capitalism and being sold to be immigration. Also, the fact that the United States was founded upon a continent largely uninhabited (by Europeans, anyway) had a great deal to do with both immigration policies and economic success. To paraphrase a line someone used about GWB, America was born on third base and thinks it hit a triple.

very small portion

Submitted by Becky on January 15, 2009 - 8:03am.

The vast majority of immigrants came here on thier own accord. Latin flavor is some of the richest influence in the southwest and Latin people continue to flock here in droves.

to paraphrase - no need to

Submitted by justine on January 21, 2009 - 12:03pm.

to paraphrase - no need to get a flght to Europe Cacilda and Christopher, you can simply walk to a country where people believe society exists in order to take care of the least among us. Its called Canada. We have universal health care and you don't have to cross an ocean to see it.

It is a good thing that Americans open their minds to what is happening around the world. Opening their minds to what happens mere meters outside their boundaries is a good first step.

justine