Tag: history

“Appiah’s Cosmopolitanism as a Rejection of Hume’s Prejudices”

This is a Leaving Cert Politics essay I wrote in class exploring the contrast between David Hume’s exclusionary view of diversity and Kwame Anthony Appiah’s inclusive theory of cosmopolitanism. The piece challenges Enlightenment assumptions and argues for a more global, ethical framework that recognizes shared humanity across cultural and racial lines.

“Difference is an accident of birth and it should therefore never be the source of hatred or conflict. The answer to difference is to respect it. Therein lies a most fundamental principle of peace – respect for diversity.” – John Hume

Hume’s view on diversity contrasts with Appiah’s theory of cosmopolitanism because Hume recognises difference but believes we should respect it. On the other hand, Appiah’s theory of cosmopolitanism suggests that we belong to a single community based on a shared morality. To further demonstrate the difference between the two viewpoints, I will use Said’s ‘Us and Them’ idea as an opposing argument against cosmopolitanism.

I believe that it’s possible to be a part of a community based on shared ideas. For example, political parties and religious groups unite people who share similar ideologies and beliefs. However, differences in opinions have caused conflicts between communities with opposing views. For instance, the concept of Said’s ‘Us and Them’ is that the east is viewed in demeaning stereotypes, allowing the west to perceived as superior. In this scenario, cultural differences have resulted in conflict between the East and the West. Thus, Said’s idea clearly illustrates the differences between Hume’s view on diversity and Appiah’s theory of cosmopolitanism.

Similarly, Huntington’s thoughts on the ‘Clash of Civilisations’ aligns with Said’s ‘Us and Them’ and opposes Appiah’s cosmopolitanism. Huntington believed that future wars wouldn’t be about politics or money but religious and cultural differences. For example, there was tension between the western world and Islamic world especially after 9/11. Huntington believes that conflicts like ‘War on Terror’ are about cultural and religious differences between Western secular values and Islamic traditions.

Said and Huntington’s ideas support the nation that cultural and religious differences have caused conflict between the East and the West. Hume’s view on diversity acknowledges differences and encourages us to respect them regardless. This view can be coupled with Said and Huntington’s views to not only acknowledge differences, but also to realise the consequences of ignorance towards difference.

On the other hand, cosmopolitanism suggests that we belong to a single community based on shared morality. Hume’s view contradicts this because Hume is directly acknowledging difference whereas Appiah believes that we all belong to one community based on shared morals. However, Appiah emphasises respect for all cultures as long as they do not harm anyone. Despite this, I disagree with cosmpolitanism because not only does it disregard the individuality of humanity, but it also assumes that we’re able to live in a world without conflict which I find highly unrealistic.

What are your thoughts on this?

Unseen Prejudices: Exploring Subconscious Bias in Everyday Life

As a young Black person, I see how fear of being labeled racist stops meaningful conversations about bias. Racism exists on a spectrum, from microaggressions to overt hate, yet many remain unaware of their impact. Change begins with accountability, listening, and understanding that confronting bias is essential for unity and progress.

As a young Black person living in the 21st century, I’m often disappointed by how poorly people react when BIPOC stand up to the bigotry we face daily. I’ve started to realize that this defiance often stems from their fear of being labeled racist. However, the reality is that much of their behavior comes from ignorance and miseducation. If more people truly listened to those they’ve hurt and took accountability instead of lashing out or demonizing us further, they’d understand that, yes, race plays a role in nearly everything.

I say this because I wholeheartedly believe that everyone has subconscious racial biases—it’s part of being human. Some may act on these biases unknowingly, which is likely why people get so defensive when accused of racism. It’s crucial to understand that racism exists on a spectrum. It’s not just blatant acts like using slurs or joining hate groups. Racism can range from subtle acts, like excluding someone because of their race, to extreme and overt behaviors. What many people don’t realize is how harmful microaggressions can be.

For example, telling a Black woman, “You’re very pretty for a Black girl,” may seem like a compliment, but it’s actually disrespectful. The implication is that Black people are not typically seen as conventionally attractive. Do you see the problem now?

Personally, I’ve faced more than my fair share of microaggressions and have called them out when they happen. This has often led to me being isolated by my peers because I refuse to tolerate this kind of behavior. Still, I wish more people were open to having honest conversations about racism and unconscious bias rather than immediately assuming they’re being called racist.

The first step toward unity as a human race is understanding, followed by acceptance. To truly understand each other, we need to communicate and, most importantly, listen.

Signing off,

Anna.