Underdeveloped Nations

I was just thinking about sustainability..and capitalism...and all off that heavy stuff which unfortunately crosses my mind often. I have come to the conclusion that America has a huge ego. When we beleive we are "fixing" the rest of the world, we are actually just teaching underdeveloped nations to play into our consumerist economy. The first mistake we often make is that we think these countries are "underdeveloped". We fail to see how rich their cultures already are and how they used to be economically and socially advanced. The problems these countries now face; no jobs, health care, food, clean water, and housing, were brought on by us. Our demands for their natural resources destroy their homes and economy. They can no longer live simple lives weaving baskets or growing vegetables because of us. We pollute their rivers and streams with factory sludge and cattle waste. They become dependent on what Americans buy: beef, gold, diamonds, wood, and so much more. We have created a disgusting gap between the rich and poor in these places. They now thrive on our dollars yet we and their own rich give them no affordable opportunities for the masses to acquire medicine and other necessities. Then, as this economic system ruins the lives of indigenous people we think it is because they just can't help themselves, because they are not as "advanced"and they don't have the "technology". We forget that like our European ancestors they too have live for thousands of years off of their land and developed a rich culture and way of life. Now, I do value humanitarian efforts Americans and other "developed" nations pour into these countries. It is so important that we help families establish fair-trade businesses and help communities acquire clean water. Our goal right now should be to make sure that everyone has basic human necessities as well as protect their rights. But in the long run, we need to walk away. We have no right exploiting so many people just for our economic gain. We have already destroyed thousands of languages and traditions just by globalization. We need to reflect on the past. America has already made so many mistakes (Destroying Indian culture, WWII concentration camps, Hiroshima and Nagasaki) and we are on the brink of disaster. We think we have developed the ultimate dream way of living (the truth is most Americans are depressed and those who we consider "poor" are the most content with life). America is young. Perhaps we should listen to the wisdom of those great age old cultures. We need to leave them alone and let them heal the damage we have caused in such a short time. I truly believe in a sustainable, efficient post-industrial society and I would like to see it happen in my lifetime. I can't imagine anything better than getting back to roots with family, traditions, and self-sustaining agriculture. The first step is to lead by example and America has a lot of persuasive power. We need to utilize our voices before it becomes too late. Most importantly, we need to let those "underdeveloped" nations remain that way.