Partiality to one’s nation or Fairness to the World

The author believes that partiality to one’s fellow members occurs in the national community, which therefore leads to an individual preferring only his nation’s goods above others. The metaethical particularist believe that duties to fellow nationals differ in kind because the nationalist community is the source of the language and values employed in the practice of moral judgment; partiality to the interests of one’s fellow nationals is therefore a consequence of the nature of morality. While the cultural perfectionists believe that priority for one’s fellow nationals is a consequence of the importance of community membership for the human good.

Michael Walzer criticizes and states patriotism as a form of liberalism. His belief that the deprivation of a community that shares the same moral values as one would lead to total moral collapse and therefore restriction is important. His view of a patriot choosing to work within the nation, protecting its interests and continued existence as an historical fact even if greater good and impartiality understood might be produced by abandoning the nation. His idea can be found in my example which proves his theory unfeasible.

 The relationship of the United States and Israel is that of two countries that share a similar heritage. Both were persecuted because of their religious choices. They both left their previous homeland to settle in another land. This sentiment shared often leads to the U.S. staunch backing of Israel foreign policy; the electorates when voting choose causes dear to their heart and completely ignore the fact that the policy may not benefit their own country at the end. United States has an unwavering support for Israel. It is this unconditional support for Israel makes it easier for extremists to rally popular support and to attract recruits. I would suggest impartiality just like the author as it promotes unity.

The cultural perfectionism theory advocate, Yael Tamir argues on the importance of nationality for personal identity. She states than an individual’s self image is highly affected by the status of their national community. She prefers that we observe the importance of special obligations to fellow nationals. However Michael Ignatieff argues that the theory disregards real human experience. I agree with him on the example of the Ethiopian famine in the 1983-84, where people were on the brink of death from starvation; communities were disregarded as they pleaded for international help.

Tamir further argues for the establishment of multinational states and that the majority should have control of a set of political institution. Minorities are to be deprived of benefits enjoyed by the majority. Although this theory is impossible to implement due to the nature of most states which have set rules by the government to cater to all of its citizens the same way. It still makes you wonder about the situation unraveling in the United States. There is a political divide in the country and it is only getting stronger. Even though income and employment play a major role in deciding where one resides. Libertarians and democrats are choosing to leave with people who share the same moral values as they. An individual working in Washington DC may choose to reside in the suburbs; he might choose Maryland if he was a democrat or Virginia if socially conservative. But choosing a place where one fits in is also a major consideration.

Nussbaum Article strongly criticizes patriotism. She deems it a cultural jingo which often breeds false perception of superiority. As Americans, we have the right to freedom, but those in developed countries and some violate human rights. She urges us to promote a global form of learning and citizenship which I agree with. We live in a globally integrated world and problems affecting one nation will later end up on our doorstep. If someone has a shared history with the state, that shouldn’t mean we should relegate the other minority to the wayside as this will breed contempt in the neglected.