> Pre-existing ethnic tensions increased, creating fertile grounds for violence and conflict. Indeed. We have no shortage of reasons to bash one another over t

> Pre-existing ethnic tensions increased, creating fertile grounds for violence and conflict. Indeed. We have no shortage of reasons to bash one another over the head, but this one is surely one of the most prevalent. Diversity (of fundamental values and identity) breeds distrust, and distrust erodes social capital and institutions.* What these doomsday articles don't discuss is what exactly the West collapses into? I mean, we're still going to be here among the ruins even if the pillars of society collapse. What then? Perhaps we'll collapse up, into a more equitable, fairer society. * http://archive.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2007/08/05/the_downside_of_diversity/ http://archive.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2007/08/...