Save the world versus man-made disaster: A cultural perspective

Abstract

This review article examines two sides of disaster that are inherently part of human life. From a cultural perspective, disasters can be divided into two main groups, namely natural disasters that are 'given' and disasters caused by human activities that do not respect the natural environment. The stewardship of nature is closely related to 1) human behavior, 2) worldview, 3) awareness, and 4) caring. These four aspects can be examined from a cultural perspective which in turn will foster a new awareness for humans as the inhabitants of the earth. 'Save the World' is a motto that persuades humans to safeguard the earth and the environment, while 'Man-Made Disaster' is a human condemnation of some other group of humans that have created environmental damage that directly or indirectly leads to disaster. The two sides of this phenomenon will be discussed reciprocally in this article, to see the common thread in which the cultural approach can be a recipient of these two poles. In other words save the world versus human-made disaster will be discussed from a cultural perspective.

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