Simon Anholt is the author of the “Nation Brands Study,” about how each country perceives other countries. From that data and a bunch of other measures, he and others have constructed a GoodCountry index to rank countries by 35 measures of their impact on the rest of the world – whether they are a net positive, or a net negative, contributor to the “global commons.” Pretty fascinating, right?
Here’s Anholt’s TEDtalk about how we should hold our governments accountable for behaving as good (unselfish) countries, rather than as “cultural psychopaths” in order for us all to survive, and prosper. Spoiler: It involves thinking beyond existing nationalistic postures.
TEDx Community Invited to Provide Feedback on the GoodCountry Index
Have you wondered what it’s like to organize a TEDx event? It’s a lot of work, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to meet people all over the world who want to do good, to make their communities and the world, a better, safer, saner place for us all.
TEDx organizers worldwide have been invited to give input on the GoodCountry.org index in order to make it better and more useful. After viewing Anholt’s talk, I had a lot of ideas for input, but almost every one was answered by a careful reading of the GoodCountry FAQ.
As I’ve learned in my own work as an experience designer, change often begins with measuring. So I’m onboard with having a system of measuring the attitudes and contributions of each country to a “global commons.” I love the idea (shared in the FAQ) of the GoodCountry.org site allow users to personalize weights for specific measures. And I applaud the approach of: Is this perfect? No. Don’t just criticize; help us make it better!
But This Index Is So Flawed!
Is the GoodCountry Index a flawed exercise? Of course! Are TEDx organizers somehow better qualified to have the discussion than anyone else? Absolutely not. Is it a good idea to begin this dialog? Absolutely, in my opinion.
TEDx organizers are a cohort with demonstrated willingness to collaborate virtually, globally and to create opportunities to discuss ideas. That’s one of the main payoffs for being a TEDx organizer – we are exposed to perspectives from throughout the worldwide TEDx community with whom we share some basic ideals, including:
- discussing ideas is good and necessary, and
- together, we can make a difference.
Having had exposure to the TEDx organizers community for 5 years now, I’m expecting very lively discussion and lots of challenges to the model, approach, and every other aspect of the Index.
Want to help?
If, after looking into the Good Country Index and reading the FAQ, you have more ideas – I’d love to hear about them: susanp@tedxsanantonio.com. Please do carefully read that FAQ first, though; it’s pretty thorough.
