In a recent blogpost, my classmate Maria discussed the meaning of the word "democracy", as well as some other words, abroad. She notes that the people in the Middle East do not know the word democracy as a principle, but rather as a practice. In other words, they associate democracy with American democracy (perhaps because we export it to them), the land of capitalism and free enterprise. She goes on to discuss the two-party system we have in this country, comparing it to that of Italy, her home country. Some of her points are very valid, and I would like to build upon them.
A two party system is, by definition, bound for failure. It sets up the country for indecision and a government embattled against itself, rather than one that can be productive and work as one, unified force. In Italy, as well as many other countries, democracy comes in a different package - there are multiple parties competing for votes, and competing for power. This is how a democracy should be; with multiple parties to choose from, citizens can associate themselves with a party that has most in common with their own values, rather than a choice between two parties which most people have little in common with.
In addition to the two-party system being bound for failure, so is the combination between a Republic and capitalism (the situation we have in America). Capitalism and democracy are not synonymous, despite what many may believe. Indeed, a capitalist democracy leaves itself exposed to corruption, and creates a scenario where corporate interests are held above public interests because there is money to be had. In addition, it gives the "haves" a huge advantage over the "have-nots" - these days, wealthy individuals are the only ones who have any chance of getting into politics. Without wealth to fall back on during a political campaign, an individual would need to have a vast, successful fundraising campaign as well.
Overall, I found Maria's analysis of these turbulent times interesting, considering her point of view as an Italian citizen studying in America. The points she raised were valid and evidently well-thought out, and her subtle-yet-powerful use of profanity in a homework assignment was the icing on the cake.
Widespread corruption in government, an over-extended military, and vastly overinflated capital - do you know what these things have in common? If you said that these are the things that caused the fall of the Roman Empire, you'd be correct.
You didn't think I was talking about America, did you?
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Great Post!
ReplyDeleteCourtney Leiva