Political+&+Social+Systems

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 * 1.** During the renaissance the social and political systems of Italian city-states changed dramatically to reflect the more individualistic way of thinking; Does Calgary politically reflect an individualistic way of thinking?

In response to whether Calgary's social and political systems change to reflect the population's way of thinking, Brian Pincott, a City of Calgary alderman, thinks: Calgary's political system has a 'really weird' mix of an individualistic way of thinking and thinking as a group; for example non-conservative parties are often told to 'get out of alberta'. "We reward individualism... But within the parameters of the rest of the populations." Brian Pincott continues. **- Brian Pincott**

- Calgary is definitely a hot spot for individualistic way of thinking. We've had very strong mayors and premiers over our political history including Ralph Klein, Al Duerr, Dave Bronconnier, etc. Even Stephen Harper has shown a very individualistic approach currently as our prime minister. Perhaps one of the best examples of individualism is our city council. Here, aldermen and the mayor are not associated with political parties and are voted in based on the merits of their personal achievements. As well, aldermen and the mayor each have one vote, which makes them very important political players during key issues and debates. - **Jeremy Z**.


 * 2.** In Florence groups of people who weren’t elected into government influenced the elected leader, such as the Medici family who used their power to support great thinkers and artists of the Renaissance; are their similar influential people in Calgary who support new ideas and the arts? Specifically, are there politically influential people who have made an impact on the arts community in Calgary?

-Many famous theaters such as the Max Bell theater, the Jack Singer concert hall, and the Peter Lawhee theatre in Banff. These theaters were named after people who supported the arts in Alberta. Also many companies like Epcor energy have donated to the arts in calgary and as a result they had an arts center named after them. - **Brian Pincott**

- If we are talking about those who have not been elected but are influential, then you could refer to many organizations that have had a great impact on the arts community in Calgary. A prime example to look into would be the Cantos Music Foundation their involvement with the King Eddy revitalization in the East Village development. However, I would refer you to a fellow blogger, [|DJ Kelly], who was named Calgary's Top 40 Under 40 by Avenue Magazine for his outstanding contribution to the arts community. - **Jeremy Z.**


 * 3.** During the renaissance people no longer wanted to be stuck in a feudal system and tried to change their social status. Do you see people in Calgary trying to change the social system or change their social position?

- There is a growing trend in Calgary to try and change the social system to help those who cannot support themselves in the city. While Calgary may traditionally have gone with the trend of trying to change their own social position, we are starting to go away from that. Examples include advocacy to increase affordable housing in Calgary via the province's 10 year plan to end homelessness initiative. - **Jeremy Z.**


 * 4.** During the renaissance people began to think independently from the church and their dictators. Today in Calgary do you see people acting and thinking independently from the government?

Stuart’s response Brain Pincott and Jeremy Z.
Question: During the renaissance people began to think independently from the church and their dictators. Today in Calgary do you see people acting and thinking independently from the government? “People are definitely thinking independently from the government.” Says Jeremy Z. However he also feels that the media influences people and other sources of information Brian Pincott feels the same way about people being flounced by other forces. Jeremy Z. also states that people should not just take the side of the media or take their opinions but to take the time to come up with their own. Brain Pincott feels that many people have vastly different opinions then the government and think very separately he feels this can help society and it is often a good thing that people are thinking separately from the government. What he does not feel is a good thing is that the media as so much affect over people view.

- People are definitely thinking independently from the government, but there are other forces that can have a big and consequential impact on people. The media is the biggest one. Since apathy is very high in this city and province, often the only source of information that people are able to get about local and provincial politics is the mainstream media. Editorials and columnists may have a certain opinion on a subject matter, and people need to critically think in order to understand the issue on both sides. One great example is the debate about the Peace Bridge. While many people were angry that $25 million dollars was spent on a pedestrian bridge, most people did not know that this would not increase property taxes because it came from the city's capital budget and the Municipal Sustainability Initiative. Social media like Facebook and Twitter are important too, but people need to do their own research to understand all the issues. - **Jeremy Z.**