Political Rhetoric and the Global Community

Karissa mentioned that she has continued to ponder the situation in the Middle East and ensuing questions regarding our role as the U.S. there in light of the current political season. I decided to post my observations.

I keep thinking to myself in this current political season how much I resonate with the philosophy that we NEED to be willing to humbly engage world leaders to find/nurture ways toward greater interdependence rather than continue our arrogant and fearful attempts to isolate ourselves from our global neighbors and persist in our attempts toward greater independence/self-sufficiency. I hear both views in the current political speeches. Some speak of hope for better global relationships, humble engagement with world leaders, attempts toward finding points of interdependence. Others continue the rhetoric of fear, our need to work toward greater self-sufficiency so that we can further isolate ourselves from our neighbors.

Part of my reflections on this has come out of my considerations of community vs. the society we have come to embody. I think part of the reason the U.S. is so fearful of the rest of the world (terrorism) and we pick/choose what parts of the world we pay attention to, is because we don't see other nations as friends or potential partners (in a sincere view of cooperation). Rather we see others as interests to maintain (and so we do so using heavy-handed diplomacy -- an oxymoron, if you ask me). As long as we nurture relationships based on interests, we will have enemies who have felt exploited, ignored or subservient. Thus the anger we see is not just because people of the world are jealous that we are rich and powerful, as I have heard good Christians reason, rather it is because of how we have used that wealth and power.

I also hear lots of Christians exclaim how generous we are as a society. And this is true. There are well meaning and loving people who have given of their excess to bless those less fortunate around the world. Yet the unfortunate backdrop to that is the precedent the U.S. has led. Giving from the U.S. is like asking a child to feel true love from an abusive father who gives a Christmas gift. Of course the child is happy, for the moment. But in the back of his/her mind is always the memory and experience of abuse and exploitation. Some may argue with this view, however, this is the sense I get as I piece together the feelings I hear from internationals.

I can't help but apply this philosophy and view toward what we see in the Middle East. The U.S. has been very strategic to guard its interests in that region at the expense of human relationships and respect. And, as Karissa, who traveled to that region, pointed out, much of the results of our "diplomacy" and sanctions has gone unnoticed by many Americans . . . because for the most part we don't take the time to care. We like being the "big brother" in the global family, and even handing out candy once in a while, yet we don't like the responsibility that comes with it, caring for our little brothers and sisters who need protection and looking for ways we can work together, depend on one another and respect one another.

We play favorites and then we wonder why people get offended.