Race and racism in modern culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Race and racism in modern culture - Essay Example Other phenomena or units must be represented as foreign or ‘other’ through representing a hierarchal dualism in which the unit is ‘privileged’ or favored, and the other is devalued in some way† (Cahoone, 1996). In order to obtain a definition of self, this concept indicates, we must first determine a definition of what is not self, what is Other. In creating this definition, we inadvertently end up viewing the Other as being somehow less than or less valued in some fundamental way. Additionally, this concept indicates that without a definition of the Other, a definition of the self is not possible. Therefore, it is through an individual’s perception of what is ‘normal’ versus what is ‘particular’ that one defines the Other and, by extension, themselves. In addition, individuals who differ greatly from the majority of the society in which they live, who are ‘peculiar’, will frequently identify themselves wit h the Other without consciously thinking about it and place themselves into submissive roles as a result. Rather than identifying themselves by their achievements, goals and aspirations as those of the dominant race might, individuals who identify with the Other or minority race tend to think of themselves only as they exist in their private lives. However, the idea that the Other must always be considered something less than does not necessarily follow as a natural conclusion of this process once it is examined in closer detail. Contemporary films, such as Bend it Like Beckham, take a deep look at the concepts of race and racism to demonstrate that while the Other is used to help define oneself, a close look at these peculiarities can help us engage with the Other to reveal that the Other and the self are not necessarily as different or as negative as was assumed at first glance. As might be imagined, determinations regarding what constitutes the Other are wide-ranging and varied depending upon the accepted norms within a

POS 202 - International Relations - Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

POS 202 - International Relations - - Essay Example The author is assuming that the traditional means of bringing order have become ineffective. As much as it sounds hard, leaders should start cultivating the new kind of bringing order. The author’s assumptions are valid, and I agree with his line of argument. It is in line with the Balance of Power theory, which states that when secondary states are given a free will to choose on whom to side in an international system’s two coalitions, they will always side with the weaker side (Waltz 127). It is to avoid being threatened by the stronger side. It is the reason most of the Middle East countries have sided with Palestine over Israel. The only way to control Hamas is by working with moderate Palestinians, and they will thus help Israel control Hamas. Israel faces so many non-state actors, and Hamas, a political group that advocates violence is the main one. Hamas interacts with state of Palestine through its institutions and populations which in turn help them in planning attacks and violence (Papp 102). Hamas can even teach radical Palestine civilians on making homemade drones and rockets. The only way that the state of Israel can curtail the Hamas’ drones and rocket threat is by the Gaza Palestinians demanding the rockets to stop. The only way that the Palestinians can demand that is when the state of Israel works with them. At times, national interest should supersede sovereignty (Papp 88). It is at times preferable to accept freedom of action constraints in order to achieve a wider benefit. Israeli government must be able to let some pride go for the sake of a wider benefit. It must be able to work closely with the Palestine authorities; the same tactic America applied in Iraq, to have lasting peace. Liberty must at times be limited for it to be possessed (Papp 52). States should move from their roles of hedging risks and preservation of failing status quo to shaping a