Originally posted on August 25, 2015 @ 4:08 PM
The Zero Aspiration The Maintenance of a Dangerous Idea
Dr Rob Long is presented this paper at “Visions” in late August 2014. Rob has allowed us to provide his paper as a free download
Not a day goes by when someone tells me they cop a flogging for not agreeing with this crazy ideology so, I thought we’d share this with you and why we think the zero harm mantra is a dangerous idea. If you had any doubts about the dangers of the Zero Harm mantra then this paper will finally set your thinking straight. For the zealots, I doubt very much that you will want to read this!
DOWNLOAD HERE: The-Zero-Aspiration
This paper is guided by a range of key questions, these are:
- What is the fascination with zero and why is the language of ‘zero’ so attractive to so many?
- Does the language of ‘zero’ make any difference?
- Is it a harmless neutral concept that doesn’t really matter?
- Does ‘zero’ language inspire and motivate people?
- Could it be possible that the language and discourse of ‘zero’ is insidious and dangerous?
- If I set a goal that is unachievable or perceived to be unachievable, do I really think people will give all their effort in pursuing it?
- Does a high jumper improve by setting the bar at the world record height first up, or by setting the bar at a height that is just beyond reach then repeatedly trying until they achieve the small success of jumping over the bar, then moving slightly higher again?
- If I do not believe in God, does this automatically mean I believe in the Devil? Similarly, if I do not believe in Zero Harm, does this mean I endorse harm?
- Could it be that on the surface of things the mantra of ‘zero’ is naively badged as positive yet the by-products of such cultural discourse can be negative?
- Is the language of ‘zero’ not only unconsciously priming workers to fail but creating a cultural discourse that counter-intuitively drives people away from the very things it desires?
These questions will be addressed in this paper.
Do you have any thoughts? Please share them below