Pretender to Universalism: Western Culture in the Globalising Age Essay Example
Pretender to Universalism: Western Culture in the Globalising Age Essay Example

Pretender to Universalism: Western Culture in the Globalising Age Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (523 words)
  • Published: June 28, 2016
  • Type: Essay
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Professor Ali Mazrui emphasizes the significance of global powers, particularly the United States, establishing and implementing inclusive policies that embrace the diverse cultural characteristics of people worldwide. This is vital because American culture wields substantial global influence and affects societies across the globe with its values and lifestyles.

According to Mazrui (2000), the values and beliefs of America lack consistency across historical periods and fail to consider the diverse cultures it claims to lead. Additionally, Mazrui concludes that America has not consistently demonstrated adherence to its own values, referring to these shortcomings as historical, cross-cultural, and empirical relativism (Mazrui, 2000).

According to Mazrui (2000), the main obstacle to the Universalism of Western leadership is cross-cultural value conflicts. Mazrui explains that certain cultures have achieved global dominance due to historical developments. He further states that many

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of these influential cultural elements, particularly the principal power of America, are from the West.

According to Mazrui (2000), America has mobilized three engines of globalization: technology, economy, and empire. Additionally, he argues that the concept of Pax Americana, synonymous with American social, political, and religious values, has also influenced youth globally. Consequently, people worldwide are becoming increasingly similar and Westernized with each passing decade.

The speaker discusses the impact of homogeneity on global leadership and argues that without consistent policies and inclusive guidelines, Western leaders' hegemony is invalid. Additionally, the speaker points out that globalization has caused minority cultures to influence the dominant culture of powerful nations.

The arrival of Muslims, whether they are skilled or unskilled workers or businessmen, has had a significant demographic impact on countries, particularly minority cultures lik

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Islam. As the Muslim population in America and other prominent nations continues to grow rapidly, there is a need for specific educational strategies for Arabic children in America.

The speaker discusses the construction of numerous mosques in America and suggests that Islam may help counter the dominance of world powers and establish a Universal leadership. Additionally, the lecturer explores instances of empirical relativism in American culture, highlighting the inconsistency between actions and acknowledged values. Notably, foreign countries have often surpassed the United States in upholding American standards, as exemplified by African Nobel Prize Winners for Peace and African Pacifist heroes who achieved significant progress for their nations.

The speaker discusses cultural and historical relativism, using past and present laws on homosexuality as examples of historical relativism. They argue that what may be acceptable in American culture may not be appropriate in other cultures. The speaker also mentions how developing countries may experience the breakdown of traditional moralities due to the influence of liberal thinking from the West (Mazrui, 2000).

According to the lecturer, Western leadership faces the task of establishing a culture that is both timeless and inclusive of the diverse cultures it governs. This would ultimately lead to a Universal culture. The lecturer also acknowledges that progress has been made in this direction, with the creation of a political environment that promotes the pursuit of this Universal culture. However, further endeavors are required to fully achieve this goal (Mazrui, 2000).

References

  1. Mazuri, Ali A. (2000). Pretender to Universalism: Western Culture in the Globalising Age. Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs, Vol. 21, No.1, 2001.
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