Understanding of the Intersections of Cosmopolitanism and Diversity - Essay Example

ID No. My understanding of the Intersections of Cosmopolitanism and Diversity Overview The world isshrinking with the advent of the computer and internet technology and becoming a single global community. Indeed, this is in line with the concept of cosmopolitanism. Taking its root from the Greek word cosmopolis, a universal city (polis is the Greek term for city), cosmopolitanism espoused a global community with diverse population but governed by a single legal system, structure, etc. Ribeiro said that the term cosmopolitanism itself indicates “unsolved tension” due to the diversity of the inhabitants (20). He added that with cosmopolitanism, there is always a requirement to negotiate with other groups. Held said that cosmopolitan indicates the values set as standards by a global entity that cannot be violated by any person, which standards are based on the premise that every person is equal regardless of the country he or she was born or raised (par. 4). Cosmopolitanism refers to a political and cultural body that encompasses a territorial jurisdiction, extending to the rest of the world (Ribeiro 19). It posits an affirmative mindset towards differences and diversity and aims to create a global equality and peace among the member communities as well as solidarity. However, Ribeiro purported that reconciliation of citizens from various cultural groups would seem an ambiguity in the face of historical and cultural diversity among various groups. The diversity of cultures, values, beliefs and advocacy among the inhabitants of the states are factors that should be taken into consideration in the furtherance of peace and resolution of conflicts. Cosmopolitanism on Smaller Scale Cosmopolitanism has been historically attempted by political leaders. Greece and Rome imposed this concept upon their subjects through the use of military force. It has also been attempted by the Nazis over other western nations under the concept that they belong to the Aryan race. A non-political cosmopolitanism, although composed of states and participated by governments, is manifested by the United Nations (UN). The UN has passed numerous resolutions that should be followed by member-states and can impose sanctions even on other non-members if they violate the rules issued by it. The International Criminal Court tries international crimes and can try citizens from any country once jurisdiction is acquired. The jurisprudence issued by the court becomes international laws and legal precedents. It also passes judgment on the differing internal and local laws of the states and reconciles them according to acceptable legal tenets. Some Asian countries created the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to enhance its economic development, foster social and cultural agenda, and promote peace and stability in the region through “respect for justice and the rule of law” (ASEAN Countries pars. 2-3). In Europe, membership in the European Union (EU) has been growing since its foundation. The EU is actually a governing body over the member nations. It has a government of its own, a system and a set of laws to settle conflicts and legal issues. It is the first voluntary conglomeration of a number of states with different cultural and historical backgrounds that agreed on using a single currency in addition to their existing legal tender. It has also removed the restrictions to travel and allows travelers from other jurisdictions to use a single visa. The EU is also readjusting its legal system and laws that would consider the intricacies of each member country. Oil producing and exporting countries from the Middle East, Asia and other continents founded and/or joined the Organization of Oil Exporting Countries (OPEC) with the aim of unifying oil and petroleum policies and stabilize the market to ensure fair economic gain of producers for capital investments (OPEC par. 1). Peace and Conflicts Wars and conflicts plagued human history from time immemorial. They erupted from the imposition of one’s power over another, territorial dispute, non-recognition of cultural and political identity, etc. After the First and Second World Wars, peace ensued when one of the adversaries surrendered or was defeated. International leaders created a system so that another global war can be avoided in the future. Held said that after those wars, the “principles of equal respect, equal concern, and the priority of the vital needs of all human beings” were the focus of the developments in the legal and political arena (par. 3). Still, contained conflicts within some nations exist due to various reasons. After the invasion of Iraq and even with the US forces maintaining peace within the country, violence and attacks continue to be perpetuated by factions. Conflicts caused by ethnic differences and religious sects (e.g. Sunni and Shia) reached a peak after the invasion of Iraq. This is enhanced by politically motivated attacks by sympathizers of the former regime and the radical fundamentalist. But in general, the areas of conflicts and violence are isolated in any state and the rest of the citizenry are experiencing peace. The advancement in communication that leads to globalization seems an irony to the existence of conflicts (Held par. 1). According to Gannaway, peoples from varying ethnic backgrounds have been connected for thousands of years (3). Each period in history, however, is mediated by specific economic, moral or political agenda that pose a hindrance to interconnection (Gannaway 3). Recorded accounts have shown that cosmopolitanism exists in some form or another throughout the world. It is only the specific agenda and differences that disrupt the peace and harmony among peoples and nations. Thus, to attain cosmopolitanism in this current state, there must be a point of convergence among nations and citizens, a meeting point or an intersection wherein differences and diversity can be reconciled. This focal point is the intersection of cosmopolitanism and diversity. The Intersection In this current global state that the peoples cross territorial boundaries in a few seconds through the use of modern technology, individuals from different cultural backgrounds communicate and interconnect with one another. It is no longer new that youth from various countries, though the use of live streaming or video conferencing, organize themselves for a humanitarian cause or social advocacy. These individuals do not discriminate each other but work for a common cause. Geopolitical boundaries do not present a hindrance to their cause and goals. Cosmopolitanism manifests in forms that may not fall squarely in the ancient cosmopolitan system and order of Greece and Rome. Today’s cosmopolitans are affected by the virtual technology wherein people from different ethnic groups form virtual communities to advocate certain agendas (e.g. environment protection, disaster relief, rehabilitation efforts, social housing, solicitation for just cause). Inhabitants of a particular country form groups to uphold their cultural identity and existence (i.e. some people have become “stateless” without any country, victims of ethnic suppression) and have been able to get support from individuals or organizations in another county that espouse equality and respect for human rights without regard to ethnicity. In the current geographical, economic and political set-up, each government and state have different systems and laws, and within them, the inhabitants also differ in their point-of-views and mindset. There may be as many opinions on a certain issue as there are inhabitants in the world. However, a common concept or system can be adopted through the voice of the majority, where what most of the people uphold will be followed (provided such concept or system is in congruence with what is universally accepted as morally and ethically upright). To start with the establishment of a meeting point, extreme issues such as eradication of poverty or equal distribution of wealth should not be included as these concerns require a global overhaul of the system that might ultimately lead to chaos. Issues of hunger or displacement are already addressed by the UN and several humanitarian agencies. Issues that can be threshed out in such intersection may involve the reconciliation of a few differences that hinge on respect and equal treatment of each other. This cannot happen in a decade or more years. This will evolve with time as leaders and governments learn from experience and ultimately deduce that unity and oneness can exist amid diversity. In fact, it is diversity that provides the richness in everyone’s life experiences. Conclusion Cosmopolitanism may be attainable despite diversity as proven by the creation of geopolitical entities that have existed for decades now. It can be achieved through the recognition of the differences among cultures and peoples. Cosmopolitanism has been criticized to be a frightening set-up (Gannaway 2) wherein one global power will be ruling the rest of the world. This concept is related to the ancient notion practiced by the Greeks and Romans. Leaders and governments have learned the bitterness of war and conflict. They have learned the values of morality, equal-treatment and human rights. No state at present will be allowing such a global power to control the lives of all the people. Each state will be counter-checking and balancing the powers of the others so that equality, peace and harmony would abound. But is the global cosmopolitanism already feasible at present? I believe that it cannot be attained at present due to the wide gap in differences among the peoples. But it has been proven by the EU that it can be worked out, slowly. Differences have to be readjusted, and that includes the legal, economic, social, and political aspects. All readjustments, however, should be anchored on sound moral and ethical values so that true equality can be attained by everyone. Works Cited ASEAN Countries. ASEAN Countries & Myanmar. 2008. 7 November 2009. . Gannaway, Adam. What Is Cosmopolitanism? The New School for Social Research MPSA Conference Paper Panel 33-18: “Cosmopolitanism: For and Against.” 3 April 2009. November 2009. . Held, David, and H. Moore, eds. Cultural Diversity, Cosmopolitan Principles and the Limits of Sovereignty. Cultural Politics in a Global Age. OneWorld. 2008. 3 November 2009. . OPEC. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. 2009. 7 November 2009. . Ribeiro, Gustavo Lins. What is Cosmopolitanism? International Encyclopedia of Social and Behavioral Sciences volume 4 : 2842-45, 2001. Elsevier, London. 3 November 2009. . Read More