I agree that sovereignty can be a tool in protecting those who are labeled "different." In
Horizons, the space-residing humans are under attack by the regular humans because of the space-residing humans' different appearance. Establishing "a nation with the power to protect its own" can better protect and cater to the needs of the particular group, in this case the space-residing humans. With having their own sovereignty, these humans can more easily protect their needs and security. If things don't mesh (the interests of different groups) it is easier to just keep them separate.
Also, with their own sovereignty, groups can more easily target what their needs are and either implement effective policy or communicate them to other groups.
Overall, sovereignty is beneficial to groups that are "different" because it allows them to focus on their needs and protection from infringement and attack from other groups.
I would like to point out that this concept that sovereignty protects difference threatens the idea of representative democracy. Our nation is founded upon the concept that through free and fair elections, the interests of different peoples will be protected by representatives. These representatives in turn will advocate for the specific interest of their constituents. Through the democratic process, not sovereignty, difference is protected.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, one could say that the democratic process offers a form of sovereignty. Groups can band together and decide who would be the best representative of their interests. However, when push comes to shove, these groups will still be ruled by the will of the majority so whatever sovereignty the democratic process offers is fragile at best.
Jesse, I think democracy is the best form of government for groups who want sovereignty. Even though the majority will rule, we can do is count on the fact that the majority will be considerate of the minority. What the majority believes is right “is” right, at least for the time being. The U.S. has the Bill of Rights to protect people from being taken advantage too much from the majority, but minorities in other countries aren’t so fortunate. Yet luckily a majority of humans I hope have some compassion and respect for others’ rights. Governments with dictatorships and rigged elections take this out of the equation. I agree that the democratic process is fragile, but it’s the best method we got to protect minority rights.
ReplyDeleteMario, I actually disagree with you on your point that a democracy is the best way to protect minority rights. A true democracy, meaning the people get to vote directly on issues and laws, would actually be one of the worst types of government in that case, because the majority would always determine the rules. Now admittedly, there aren't really any complete democracies in the world, and the closest we get, such as governments like in the U.S, do protect minority rights pretty well. And like you said, compassion and empathy also help a lot. I just wanted to point out though, that in a complete democracy, if we assume that individuals are ultimately self-interested, then minority rights would not be protected well at all.
ReplyDeleteMario - I would have to side with Rachel on this. Democracy is not the best way to protect minorities. Tyranny of the majority! How could you respond to the work camps that became prevalent during WWII? A country will always seek to highlight its differences in order to identify a scapegoat in order to develop policies that assist the majority and not the minority. Various immigration acts were passed during WWII which demonstrates that during drastic times (war) countries will not seek difference, but homogeneity.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rachel. Democracy actually threatens the system of protecting differences. Majorities have shown in the past time and time again to marginalize and even attempt to destroy the will of a silent, or even loud minority. The concept of democracy works well in places like the UK, where differences aren't really evident at least at a demographic level (although that's beginning to change), but it wouldn't work well in places where you must protect one marginalized group from another, like the Middle East with Israel and Palestine. I'm not saying democracy isn't the best case of government there is at the moment, but it's foolish to think it most effectively protects the minority opinion in a country.
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