The beginning of
inequality was rooted from the different rates of development on the different
continents. According to Diamond, “the
differences between human societies on different continents seems attributable
to differences among continental environments, and not to biological
differences among peoples themselves.”
In order for domestic activity of animal and plant species to be
successful, having a suitable climate for species to adapt and reproduce is the
primary component. In addition,
possessing a strong arsenal of weapons and a steady transportation system favors
the dominant species.
Diamond
identifies the success of a society through its access to the resources. A society’s success is based on factors that
include powerful weapons and a reliable means of transportation. The Eurasians proved to be so powerful
because of their access to steel swords, guns, and horses. The Native Americans only possessed stone and
wooden weapons, and no animals were available to them to serve as a
transportation system. Moreover,
additional factors that determine the success of a society include the
availability and use of domestic animals and plant species. Eurasia’s east/west axis allowed for several
domesticated species to travel for thousands of miles while experiencing the
same day-length and climate. As a
result, domesticated animals and plant species could easily adapt and spread
from the east to the west and vice versa.
In contrast, the domesticated animals and plant species on the
north/south axis of the Americas had difficulties adapting to their
environment. With changing climates and
day-lengths, the species were not able to adapt and could not spread as a result. In addition, European writing served as an
advantage, a method of communication, by relaying detailed information in the
form of maps and directions. This method
allowed for Europeans to quickly spread to their destination accurately.
The global economy in today’s
society operates on a similar scale that was proposed by Diamond. Individuals that have more access to the
resources in their environment prove to be better off in society. An individual’s success is based on their
previous experiences. Moreover, the
ability to travel and see different ways of life enhances one’s experience,
which gives one individual an edge over the other. Just as Diamond suggested, the wealthy
individuals in our society can be equated to the peoples of Eurasia because
both have had significant exposure to resources through several
experiences. On the other hand,
individuals who do not have access to resources have difficulties learning due
to their limited experiences. Just as
Diamond stated, these poverty-stricken individuals are representative of the
Native American species because they have not been exposed to the ordinary necessities
of the world. Just as biology reveals,
only the strongest survive and individuals with more resources available to them
will prosper.
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