Date: Sun, 11 Oct 1998 22:24:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: Kevin Hickey <HICKEYK-AT-SNYONEVA.CC.ONEONTA.EDU>
Subject: PEACE CORPS


Tjhe Peace Corps is most definitely an arm of American cultural-economic
imperialism. From my experiences during four years in AFrica it is largely
ineffectual in bringing about much change but is a good public relations tool.
On the other hand, the experince itself can be highly rewarding (if you're
willing to accept its limitations), and you can make many lasting and genuine
friendships. People in AFrica are often happy to get to know foreigners on more
than a tourist basis (although two years is still quite short). There are, of
course, also people who don't like foreign Euroj-American presence. In my
opinion, change is inevitable and the closer any of us can come to genuine
dialogue, the better. The Peace Corps can be valuable for many. Peace Corps
volunteers who continue to be involved in "foreign relations" are often more
altruistic than those who have not had those 2-3 years. In the overall scheme
of things I think it is a positive (if you can't engage in any activity if it
has any detrimental effects, then you just sit home--which is detrimental too).
I'd say do it--maybe you'll become director one day and make it into a much
less imperialistic organization; if you don't do it who will?

Kevin HIckey