Debate on Illegal Immigration and Middle Eastern Profiling - Essay Example

Debate on illegal immigration and Middle Eastern profiling Name Course Instructor’s name Date Introduction Justice is the foundation of a society’s judicial and political systems, however, the practical function of being fair just or impartial is often ignored. Rawls suggested that justice is measured in standards made by people who behave as though they are not aware of their own social standings. People making policies from behind this cloud of ignorance act devoid of self regarding prejudice. On the other hand, global migration is not an optional, adventitious or minor process which may be conveniently ignored in thinking about politics, according to Rawls. Augustine believes that, there is knowledge and believes reason to be uniquely human cognitive potential that understands deductive truths and rational necessity. Augustine’s merger of ideas from other philosophical views of Plato and Neo-Platonism into Christianity takes on the notion of God as a sovereign, immaterial reality. This notion of God has been so strong in the world and it is difficult to think of God in another perspective. In addition, Augustine’s appropriation of two level view of reality by Plato produced the mysterious non material God existing beyond space and time. Martin Luther Jr. was a very strong advocate of civil rights, he believed greatly in the rule of fairness to all regardless of their origin or color. He is therefore a strong proponent of respect for illegal immigrants as well as opposes profiling of any people. Aristotle on the other hand was a strong philosopher and contributed greatly to the political and ethical world. His political perspectives are entirely different from those in the modern era. He believes that the society exists together as a community not for the wellbeing of everyone but for a noble course. This thus gives a few the chances to live well than others. Thus, Aristotle’s perspective on illegal immigrants is entirely different from those of the others as he believed that compromise would mean an end to the society. This essay seeks to discuss and determine how these philosophers would have taken a stand on illegal immigration as well as Middle Eastern profiling. John Rawls distracted from global migration by assuming that one could make a rational (if simplified) form of political culture as a closed society entered only by birth and departed only by death (Rawls 38). Migration is not dispensable or marginal to politics; however, the terms and circumstances for such migrations have significantly varied over time. Thus, Rawls believes that illegal immigrants could not have existed as a society only exists by rights of birth and no other form of invasion. Rawls in the laws of the peoples implies that there exists or could exist a decent hierarchical people. He advises that these people should be tolerated and acknowledged by liberal peoples in good standing, which is the same notion adopted by the global community at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948 as well as the Copenhagen Convention protecting democratic rights 1990. Rawls’ reasoning was historical to the social and political thoughts towards a reasonable and pragmatic utopia within the international law (John 117). Rawls argued that a society of persons is rationally just in that its members pursue a reasonably just law of persons in their mutual relations. This argument therefore considers Middle East profiling unreasonable. In Rawls’ view, Iran is a reasonable just society as long as it is a democratic state. Profiling the Middle Eastern society would be a bridge of the human rights according to Rawls. He had high regard for human values. Augustine believes in the idea that, humans are solely responsible for their actions and that life is predestined. He helped define Christianity in a different line. He incorporated various ideas that helped understand God and the general will of God on his people. Being a Christian, he had high regard for justice and respect for human rights (Saint Augustine, Margaret & Robert 144). Therefore Augustine would not consider illegal immigration as issue as he believes that every human have got the right to control their lives. He would have advocated for respect of illegal immigrants and their recognition in the new land. These immigrants movement to the host country could be triggered by various factors but ultimately their wish to control their lives was eminent. He was a strong proponent of justice (Cohen and Zig 74). Consequently, having strong link between his Christianity believes and platonic and neo-platonic philosophy, Augustine considers freewill. The profiling of Middle Eastern would not be encouraged by Augustine as it would violate the idea of free will. Luther believed that philosophy had a significant part in our lives. He criticized the church’s ideas of selling of indulgence in his protestant reformation publication in October 31, 1957 (Edwards 76). Luther was an advocate of human rights. Luther had high believe in human rights. Being a civil rights activist, Luther pushed for rights of young and minority immigrants to recognition in the United States (Gail par.1). His life and philosophy played a great role in the reformation in the political arena. Thus Luther advocated for recognition of illegal immigrants. He pushed for their rights, citizen ship, opportunities and all forms of privileges awarded to other citizens. Middle Eastern profiling is an ideology that seeks to sideline and discriminate Middle East in pretence of enhancing security and shun terrorism. Martin Luther however did not discriminate against Middle East as he firmly believed that the issue of race and hypocrisy in religion greatly affected the international community. Therefore, the profiling of Middle Eastern on basis of Islamic extremism and association to terror would not be a stand that Luther would condone. Aristotle’s political view is totally different from that held in the modern society. According to Aristotle, the natural community was the city (polis) which functions as a political community or affiliation. The role of the city is not just to evade injustice or for economic steadiness, but rather to allow at least some people the possibility to live a good life, and to execute beautiful acts: The political enterprise must be perceived, therefore, as being for the sake of dignified actions, not for the sake of living together (Knight 108). Aristotle also had a firm stand on issues of ethical and social matters. He did not advocate for compromise. Regarding illegal immigration, Aristotle would not have entertained immigration of any sort. In his philosophy, he once said that, “tolerance and apathy are signs of a dying society” (Frosty par.1). In this context it’s clear that Aristotle would not tolerate immigration as this would mean jeopardizing the society. Consequently, Aristotle would have encouraged Middle Eastern profiling. Since the Middle East has been pinpointed to sponsor and execute terror against America and the rest of the world, it would be a stupid idea to tolerate the Middle East in avoiding profiling. According to Aristotle, all avenues possible could be used by the society to ensure that the society is safe once again. Conclusion The political view of illegal immigration and racial or religious profiling as in the case of Middle East profiling has been a hot debate since times in memorial. This issue has been linked to various philosophers such as Aristotle, Augustine, Martin Luther Jr. Rawls among others. The views of these philosophers differ regarding various issues in ethical and political world. However, the three philosophers, Martin Luther Jr., Rawls and Augustine seem to have a conforming view on illegal immigration and Middle Eastern profiling. Aristotle’s views however differ significantly to their views. In my opinion I believe that the views of the three philosophers supporting respect for illegal immigrants and discouraging Middle Eastern profiling are right and ethical. I specifically support the views of martin Luther Jr. who believed in recognition of young and minor immigrants in the United States. He believed that by them being recognized, they would acquire a good life and be able to give back to the society. Works Cited Cohen, R. and Zig L.eds. The Politics of Migration, Edward Elgar, Cheltenham and Northampton, Massachusetts, 1997. Edwards, M., Jr. Luther’s Last Battles: Politics and Polemics, 1531-1546.Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1983. Frosty W., Aristotle said, "Tolerance and Apathy are the first signs of a dying society.", 2008 from http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Opinion/037155-2008-08-18-aristotle-said-tolerance-and-apathy-are-the-first-signs-of.htm / . Gail F. Connecting the Dreamers with Dr. King, 2011 available http://immigrationjustice.blogs.uua.org/worship/connecting-the-dreamers-with-dr-king/ John R., “The Problem of Justice between Generations,” 284—293, A Theory of Justice, Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1971. Knight, K. Aristotelian Philosophy: Ethics and Politics from Aristotle to MacIntyre, New York: Polity Press, 2007. Rawls, J. The Laws of Peoples, London: Harvard University Press, 1999. Saint Augustine E., Margaret A., & Robert D. Augustine: political writings, London: Cambridge University Press, 2001. Read More