The endearing America

An American university campus: Endearing to Bangladeshi students, too

In recent times, America's involvement in Somalia, apparently for restoring normalcy in a manifestly failed state was tragic and fruitless, to say the least. One may also recall the death of 261 marines in Beirut during the incumbency of President Ronald Regan. Against this backdrop, the American image, however, earned international praise and recognition when the superpower of the unipolar world succeeded in halting, though belatedly, the ethnic cleansing in former Yugoslavia and Kosovo by activating the NATO and the Europe allies. This welcome sight was substantially marred by America's international policy and postures since 9/11. No less disconcerting are the draconian laws enacted in America itself that seriously impinge upon civil liberties of a great democracy.

On the issue of adverse image while speaking in a briefing session in the not-too-distant past the American Secretary of Defence remarked that the long lines of visa-seekers at the American consulates or embassies around the world are not supportive of the alleged negative impression. Mr Donald Rumsfeld by implication was justifying the correctness of the establishment's action in Iraq and Afghanistan in so far as it relates to regime change and the so-called democratisation ventures. In other words, the increasing number of immigration aspirants for America are convincing proof of the propriety of American action overseas. Closer at home, while giving his reaction on the subject of image the immediate past American ambassador Mr Harry K Thomas sarcastically pointed to the "Yankee go home but take me with you" syndrome.

One may or may not agree with the analysis cited above. However, the matter that may engage the attention of discerning observers is whether the principal motivation of the prospective immigrants to America is only to get rich quick. In the late sixties, one used to hear of the tentacles of the so-called military-industrial complex and its all-consuming profiteering instincts in America and the rest of the world. The same accusations are made against the present-day multinationals. One has to remember the violent protest in Seattle in the not-too-distant past.

Complaints and choice
The Litany of complaints against America could possibly be stretched further but that is not very relevant in this write-up. What instead we may venture to find out as to why millions of people still choose to emigrate to America despite the alleged haughtiness, arrogance and overbearing action of the American establishment in many countries of the world? There is no doubt that America is a land of immigrants where the overwhelming majority of the present-day population are of European descent and broadly belonging to the Christian denomination.

Why then there is no hesitation on the part of large number of supposedly conservative Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists of Asia and Africa amongst other continents, to settle once for all in a different environment in America? Why there is a deep sigh for the distant shores of America, the land of Jefferson and Lincoln? I am sure the reasons are known to the informed readers but perhaps need reiteration only to know the inner strengths of the American society in order to draw our lessons. The following are my impressions based on a few days' stay in America and some discussions with friends and relatives staying there.

Freedom and education
The immigrant's single-most preeminent motivating factor for settling in America is still perhaps the freedom to choose and move. The reference is to the choosing of one's vocation or profession and the unrestricted physical mobility. Not all Americans have a home in the sense that economically better off Bangladeshis understand but an under-privileged American can enjoy the ease and comforts of living in a caravan without being bothered by encroachers or toll-takers. The dignity of labour is so pleasantly manifest in common utterances like "I am going to work". I do not recollect anybody saying "I am going to office".

The recognition of each individual's worth appears to be an inseparable part of the American ethos, if I could put it that way. The fundamental premise is that every person is of some worth and is entitled to support from the society for the flowering of his native abilities. The differing financial capabilities may result in different placements in so far as educational progression is concerned but financial incapacity is not an hindrance for the deserving. Herein lies the beauty of the American system where one will find the benevolent presence of many foundations, endowments and grants in many colleges and universities including the centres of excellence that support meritorious students. It is not that only the traditionally wealthy families patronise education and research, there are many unknown and ordinary Americans, particularly in the north and north-east who have bequeathed their entire property and lifelong savings to the cause of education. These are indeed very inspirational sight for true Muslims who are aware of the paramount importance attached to education in the teachings and saying of the holy prophet.

In Bangladesh, there are families and house who have the means to support education in a meaningful way as the Americans do but the response is still not encouraging. Some of our private universities have admirable financial support for the meritorious but the benefits need to be broad-based. I will not discuss about the public universities because the concept of higher education and its rationale and entitlement are vastly different, comparatively speaking. The point to remember is the emphasis on substantial non-governmental contribution towards education with concomitant state support that has characterised the American system of education.

Governance and objectivity
In the American system one does not look to the government for redressal or resolution of all their problems and needs. In fact, the government, the way we understand in our parlance as the overbearing benefactor with a finger in almost every pie does not exist there. Individual initiative and enterprise receive due attention and earn recognition and the State does not appropriate the individual's achievements. Anyone making an invention or a new product whether in medicine or engineering or any other field relating to public good is rewarded handsomely in financial terms with guarantees of retaining proprietary right over the product.

While many employments run on a hire and fire principle, the financial incentive for good work is substantial. The guiding thoughts are 'Work is Life' and 'Time is Money'. The sociologists tell us that these Protestant values helped the growth of capitalism in the west. In America, more often than not one does not need a silver spoon at birth or the so-called blue blood to make it to the exalted destinations in life. People in their respective public positions understand each other's responsibilities and obligations. The high and mighty, in the formal or informal power structure, do not usually make irregular requests and the public servants do not capitulate to extraneous pressures. While the key appointments of administration are the political preferences of an incumbent President, there is a permanent bureaucracy whose professionalism is not tainted by political allegiance.

Civil and criminal liability
In America crime rate is one of the highest but that has not meant the erosion of the authority of enforcement or adjudication. Persons at the wrong side of the law are fully liable for both civil and criminal transgressions. Readers may recollect the sensational OJ Simson case where the accused was exonerated from the criminal charges but the civil liabilities caused staggering loss to Mr OJ Simson. As against this, in our system while the corrupt public servant or businessman may receive a jail sentence in the criminal proceedings on account of illegal acquisition of wealth he will hardly ever lose even a fraction of his ill-gotten riches. At worst, he suffers an imprisonment for some years and then return to his unearned riches and the comfortable security of his home built on black money.

Damages caused by professional negligence, specially those by medical practitioners attract lot of attention in the media. Matters reach the court of law although many claims for damages are settled outside the court. Insurance premiums paid by doctors to guard against lapses are quite substantial. The important aspect, however, demanding our attention is that professionals there do not come out vociferously in support of their erring colleague as a matter of habit. Their concern, honesty and integrity are commendable and at times exemplary. The suffering members of public are not at a loss or absolutely helpless when they are victims of negligence. It is, therefore, only proper that people would like to settle in a country where reasonably proper medical support backed by professional honesty is available although it must be added that for the rich there it is easier to obtain the best possible medical services at the earliest.

While many cases remain undetected, the investigative journalists continue to dig with dogged determination when ends of justice so demand. Citizens group play a very important part in raising public consciousness and promoting activism in support of pro-active programmes. There is faith in the efficacy of the system but there is no let-up in the vigilance against the lapses. Judicial supremacy is the hallmark of the American system where executive excesses are always sobered and softened by judicial prudence and circumspection. We have a lot to learn.

Candour and pragmatism
'America is not like the movies' and 'America is not a land of milk and honey' -- these used to be the warning to the potential immigrants amongst others long time back. My understanding is that the same still hold good. Most Americans are curious, candid with a disarming sincerity and are very proud of what they are doing, no matter whichever station one is at. Once an understanding is reached the usual remark is "You got a deal." Most people try to keep their part of the deal. Omission to pay the tax is treated as a substantial offence and the IRS is a tough taskmaster. Hard work and payment of taxes and other dues to the state by the citizens are considered primary American virtues. Such virtues no doubt strengthen the foundation of the great democratic polity.

The above postulations by no means seek to give an impression that the American society has everything in order and there is nothing to worry. In fact, there are serious drug problems, violent offences against person and property, latent and manifest racial hatred, mind-boggling crimes by the young, indiscriminate use of fire arms by groups, alcoholism, corporate scam and many others. However, the redeeming feature of the striking scenario is that there is no pervasive fatalism, inaction or a resigning attitude on the part of the victims or the concerned authority. There are deliberate efforts to correct the malfunctioning and nothing is allowed to go unquestioned.

The Americans stand accused of garrulity. So are we. But the distinguishing part is that on any venture while they mean business to the end, we on our part start with lot of fanfare and gusto but get lost somewhere half-way or even earlier. The corporate scandals of the recent past have shown that the very wealthy and influential who have acted in a culpable manner have received treatment due a ordinary criminal and have not received any favour from the enforcement outfit. This is visible application of the rule of law and one has to behold only and not listen to the platitudes of the pundits on the virtues of legality and even behaviour.

America is an open society and the average American is very frank in giving his reactions on any subject ranging from morality to marital infidelity. Many people in the so-called Bible or Corn belt are as simple as our village folks. America's actions in foreign lands are influenced by supposedly vested interest groups against which there is international protest and indignation in America itself and Europe.

Events of 1971 pertaining to Bangladesh are illustrative of the defiant and independent American public opinion as distinct from the establishment. America is not the so-called neo-cons only, as depicted in 'Fahrenheit 11.' Mainstream America consists of freedom-loving, fund-seeking and well-meaning individuals. No wonder the line of visa-seekers is getting longer.

Muhammad Nurul Huda is former Inspector General of Police and Secretary to the government.