Mead Asks East-West Communication

Communications between Russia and the United States, "the two leading contenders to destroy the world for the next 20 years," are a problem of tremendous importance to the entire world, Dr. Margaret L. Mead told a capacity Ford Hall Forum audience last night.

The noted anthropologist said that the real problem of communicating with the Soviet Union and one we know nothing about is "how to deal with people of a different ideology when we believe that the ideology is wrong." We must consider that they are following the course which they believe right.

Although we do not approve of their actions, we must assume that the "Soviets do not seek evil for us," Dr. Mead asserted. Only by doing this can we communicate and discuss the issues that must be settled. One of our prime difficulties has been the American belief that the difference in the two governments is an indication of the evil intent of one for the other.

The Russians work and think with an identical image of us. It is the "war-mongers" in America who seek war, and the remainder of the citizens are "too corrupt and doped up to think for themselves." According to Soviet theory, Americans actually have little freedom.

Dr. Mead pointed out that in today's world "everybody is listening." There is no conversation, particularly of a political nature, which the whole world does not hear. "We must assume that every statement we make is heard by everyone in the world, and therefore we must be certain that what we say is satisfactory to ourselves, to others, and to all the auditors."

The recent "postcard incident" serves as an excellent example. Two mistakes were made. First, the people were described in terms they could not bear, and secondly, it was erroneously assumed that postcards are read only by the intended receivers.

Dr. Mead felt that the most sound basis for resolving American-Russian differences will not touch upon the idealogical and cultural differences between the two countries. Rather it must involve a common problem. "We might say to the Russians, 'Your children's safety depends on us, ours on you. We want to protect them all, and we assume that you share this desire.'"

In the question-answer period that followed, Dr. Mead stated that "cross-boundary communications" such as Radio Free Europe and Radio Moscow only "solidify error because we do not believe what we hear."