Globalization: The Cultural Arena, Essay Example

President Obama, when describing a ‘pluralistic democracy’ was referring to the role of government which is to “protect and promote diversity” (Eric Barr, 2010). In this context there is no choice but to uphold these values.  Equally politics in Government work on the basis of mutual understanding and perception of a “common reality”, a belief or truth that can be shared by all together with the aims and objectives that support same.  The President went on to say that ‘ … At some Fundamental level, religion does not allow for compromise. It’s the art of the impossible.’  What the President is saying relates to the interpretation of messages from a diet or god.  In the example of Islamic fundamentalism if a senior religious figure states that Allah deems it right to kill infidels (non believers of the faith). The edict has no room for compromise. The highest authority figure has declared that infidels should be killed.  This does not allow for political intervention or persuasion to the contrary because God has declared it so.  Hence it becomes the art of the impossible.

There is a point of clarity here.  Fundamentalism of Religion is the extreme voice of religion being presented. It is often misinterpreted and used by extreme lobbyist groups in order to project a particular viewpoint.  Terrorists are seen to hide behind this mask of deceit.  As such there is no real room for negotiation and the perpetrators know that.  The moderate view of Islamic belief does not misrepresent God (Allah) in such a way and is generally more benign and gracious towards all of mankind.  It is the extreme views that make it impossible for democratic Government to have a sensible dialogue or negotiation with fundamentalist religious groups.  Such groups always believing or purport to believe that they are guided by god and as such they hold the high moral ground.  This means that followers of the faith will have blind obedience to the instruction and die for the cause, as such becoming martyrs of god and assured a place in paradise or the afterlife.  There is little room for negotiation with such medieval views.

One persons passionate views stated ” If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the movies, it’s that “The United States of America does not negotiate with terrorists.” Yet this White House is willing to let these psychological terrorists set the terms of the debate and negotiate from their insane positions ” (Turner, 2009).  Most people generally accept Turners viewpoint but the politicians are responsible for helping to maintain balance and world peace.  As such they have to enter into dialogue with all parties.  A comprehensive settlement to the Middle East peace process cannot be resolved without dealing with the more fundamentalist elements of both the Palestinians and Israeli politicians.  It equally involves more extremist elements within the Arabic world.  Religion runs through the heart of this process in terms of biblical rights to land ownership and settlement.  ” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s refusal to offer more than temporary, superficial restraint on settlement building indicates that far more ambitious and persuasive American policies will be needed to create a two-state peace” (Foundation for Middle East Peace, 2009).

President Obama’s administration will seek to build inclusivity and maintain open dialogues in order to achieve democratic objectives and influence world peace.  Nevertheless, they are likely to take an increasingly harder line with non compliant extremist or fundamentalist views that obstruct justice or threaten world stability and peace.  There is room for compromise within the moderate sect of religious leaders who have departed from the more extreme elements.

Works Cited

(n.d.). Retrieved 1 15, 2010

Eric Barr, T. R. (2010). Pluralist Model. Retrieved 1 15, 2010, from Think Quest.com: http://library.thinkquest.org/26466/pluralist_model.html

Foundation for Middle East Peace. (2009). November – December 2009 Settlement Report. Retrieved 1 15, 2010, from Foundation for Middle East Peace: http://www.fmep.org/

Turner, J. (2009, 9 6). When Will This White House Learn You Cannot Negotiate With Terrorists? Retrieved 1 15, 2010, from Jack & Jill Politics: http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2009/09/when-will-this-white-house-learn-you-cannot-negotiate-with-terrorists/