Sunday, 09 December 2007

• Tribute to Reinhold Niebuhr - Pt I

  As a Korean American, I have attempted to come to grips with my identity on many different occasions. My identity derives from ethnic background, political socialization, parents, environment... etc. One aspect of my identity that I can never get around is my ethnicity; I am distinctly Korean. This has been a source of conflict for my "American" experience or socialization. Not having thought about my ethnic background, or understanding it - in the fullest context - until I was in college, I struggled with it. I struggled with understanding why things were the way they were and I never understood that part of my identity. 

  I've struggled with it over the years, persisted intellectually, and think I have a better understanding of my cultural identiy, and as a result, a better sense of who I am and where I come from.

  The thing is, it does matter if you are American or Korean, and it does matter if you are a minority or an immigrant. It plays a big role in our individual and collective American experiences. So one must persist in seeking to understand one's background and one's environment, in order to have an integrated experience. It is quite indispensable in understanding oneself . If you live in America and your American experience is filtered through the policies that our government makes, you must not only understand your heritage as a minority, you must also seek to understand the history of the country you reside in and why they make the choices they do.
  

  The United States is currently in a War aimed at thwarting Terrorism (which in and of itself is quite laughable). Decisions, policies, and economic investments have been made to fascilitate one of our country's end-states, which is to allow the indigenous peoples in Iraq to rule thru democracy. While I don't endorse the War, I am not opposed to it. I am a supporter of Just War Theories, and along similar lines as Reinhold Niebuhr, I think that the United States is not a fixed model of democracy for the world.

  http://www.brookings.edu/~/media/Files/events/2006/0607terrorism/20060607.pdf  (pgs 18-19)

  Reinhold Niebuhr, one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century, warned that whoever won the cold war (mid-1940's to the early 1990's) would face the imperial problem of using power in global terms and that it's world rule would almost certainly violate basic standards of justice. And he warned that, "the winner would not recognize this because its good intentions would be self-evident and that it would conclude that it was so virtuous that only malice could prompt criticism of any of its actions." I believe that this has come to pass. Just listen to one of President Bush's speeches. They resonate with a finality; a tendency to suggest we stand behind the finish line, or that we have already attained or have arrived.

  Reinhold Niebuhr has personally provided me with a framework, or platform, in which I can filter my experiences through; my american experience. It has allowed me to see the flaws of our government and understand it in a principled context. Reinhold Niebuhr's writings have influenced many people and their views on democracy. Many politicians, scholars, and leaders in government hold a deep affection for him. If you want to take a critical look at where the United States is going in coming years, it's a good idea to take a look back at his writing. Whether you are liberal or conservative, many people have learned to appreciate his writings and use him to legitimize their claims and assertions on how government should be run (both liberals and conservatives).

  After his death, Neibuhr became a symbol for American political realism (vs idealism). Politcal realism being defined as a school of thought that places national self interest above idealistic schemes of social reform). The war on terror has simply brought his broader vision into sharper focus; the reality of our global situation versus our country's idealistic notions of democracy. 

  Whether we care to admit it, the "American Century" is over and what will come, will only be the direct result of the participation of its peoples. The history behind this country, the United States, has a place in people's pysches whether anybody cares to live up to it or not. Our involvement in Iraq, possibly Iran, and North Korea will shape our future. Understanding these things is almost understanding yourself. I think it is impossible to divorce yourself from this. Whether you are native born, or an immigrant, these issues are real and they affect you and me. As the son of an immigrant, I recognize that this is what I face whether I will live up to it or not. What I will, or will not do, will shape the future and how I experience it.

  Among the things that currently concern me the most, is how people understand their roles in society and the impact it has.  

  • 1:48 AM
  • 9 Views