Citizenship Essays: Wendell Berry
A Citizen’s Response
Section 1: The Royal ‘We’
In examining the concept of patriotism in matters of terrorism and peace, Berry (2003) utilizes the phrase royal ‘we’ to discuss the perspective of the National Security Strategy. Berry singles out the reference of ‘we’ in the thesis of the report, which reiterates the commitment of the American government to employ preventive measures through acts of war. The ambiguity of the pronoun, in this context, warrants the author’s question since it is not clear whether it refers to the actions of the state in the representation of the wishes of the American people or a few signatories. Particularly, Berry examines the position of the Strategy’s author, noting past acts of secrecy sanctioned by the government without the knowledge of the electorate. I this view, he calls it the royal ‘we’ because it primarily represents the top elite, in this case, the president who can implement an individualistic response to terrorism, while undermining the premise of democracy, which requires that the public be involved in crucial deliberations affecting the nation. This is notably relevant, noting the potential effects of war or the risk of unethical conduct sole-born ideologies present. Berry calls for patriotic citizens to publicly distance themselves from such a blanket ‘we’ reference on matters they are not consulted either in their conception or planning.
Section 3: War on Commerce
Berry also posits that modern civilizations are operating under a dilemma between war and trade. The author notes that the unmitigated reliance on foreign nations for such essential supplies and food necessitates untethered globalization to gain the best prospects. The government hastily enters into various deals to promote good relations in a competitive international market of economic goods. Such desperation even contributes to the selling of war accessories, a process that proliferates the arming of unstable regions. The contradiction arises when the same government develops rush security strategies, hence undermining the ties previously established with trade partners. Such conflicting interests cause a dilemma on whether to pursue commerce or national security. The implication of such confusion is the destruction of trade due to damages relations with critical supplies, probably accused of terrorism. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
References
Berry, W. (2003, March 1). A citizen’s response to the national security strategy. Retrieved from https://orionmagazine.org/article/a-citizens-response-to-the-national-security-strategy/
Thoughts in the Presence of Fear
Technological and Economic Optimism
The perspective of Berry (2001) on the demolition economic and technological optimism by 9-11 are validated in the following sections. Article 2 discusses the illusions associated with expectations of a global economy marked by continual growth, with many people thinking that progress was the only trajectory. However, section 3 denotes how such kind of thinking was common with political leaders and investors blinded by their profitability motives, thus, making them oblivious of the adverse consequences their activities would produce. Failure to recognize the extremities of trade and technology halted the dreams of such groups who were not locally prepared but relied on exploiting the poor across the globe. Such ignorance is discussed in the fourth section, which highlights the damage that free global trade has done to local resources, which have been destroyed through pollution, hence undermining their productivity. Therefore, the events of 9-11, as presented in section 5, illustrated the need to create self-sufficient local economies through which national needs can be met without relying on a utopian free global economy driven by innovation.
Thoughts on Peace
Berry further offers his insights on the ideal nature of global peace. The central premise of war is to express dissatisfaction or retaliate to specific actions, with a primary objective of success rather than reconciliation (2). Hence, the solution to peace is an active effort to conduct self-reflection and invest in elements that promote harmony rather than violence. Such commitment should be evident in resources as peace academies rather than the previous dedication in creation combat capacities. Additionally, people ought to recognize the moral aspect of peace, which is different from the material value attached to violence (3). A notable opportunity for change towards peaceful coexistence is the education system, which should be reengineered to equip learners with tools of responsible thinking and character. Such a system should aim at cultivating relevant capabilities for making responsible decisions (26). Importantly, children should be introduced to the concept of savings, acknowledging the finite nature of resources. Such prudence can help them to avoid wasteful consumptions, which, ultimately, increases the demand for resources, thus, enhancing the risk of violent competition (27).
References
Berry, W. (2001, January 2). Thoughts in the presence of fear. Retrieved from https://orionmagazine.org/article/thoughts-in-the-presence-of-fear/
The Failure of War
‘Hopeless Paradox’
The ‘hopeless paradox’ of peaceability, as discussed by Berry (2001), regards to the individualistic and selfish approach upon which efforts to end violence and achieve harmony are founded. Nations employ violent tactics to address conflict in international territories, where they will not suffer external costs but seek to promote a passive attituded in dealing with domestic issues. Such hypocrisy makes it difficult to establish lasting peaceful strategies of ending conflict but instead propagates the ridiculous belief that war is a necessary tool for ending the war. The same insincerity is reflected in the moral sense of criminalizing one form of murder whole permitting another. An example is the acceptance of abortion, labeling it as a personal ‘right’ and at the same time forbidding capital punishment or vice versa. Dealing with evil, both domestically and internationally, should be approached with the same level of logic and ethical consideration. Selective perspectives on violence promote the ideology that country-led war is more organized and morally acceptable than a sect or individually initiated violence, despite them having similar destructive effects.
Personal Sacrifice
Berry insists that the outlook that war requires no own expense is a dangerous illusion. This is because many of the state-led acts of combat are based in foreign territories, where the inhabitants absorb all the costs. The attacked countries have their economies halted, their infrastructure destroyed, lives of both the “innocent” and culprits are lost, and several other external costs that last for prolonged periods. In contrast, the citizens of the attacking nation continue with their lives as usual and only hear about the consequences of the war in the news without a firsthand perspective. Markedly, only a few families suffer; those whose parents, children, husbands, and wives are in active duty, those who experience physical harm and, in some cases, death. This notion is similar to the capitalistic view on progress, where external costs are labeled as the “price.” An example is the ecological effects of industrialization. Though pollution significantly damages the prospects of farmers and the nation at large, many simply dismiss it because it perceived to be a “necessary evil.”
References
Berry, W. (2001, February 1). The failure of war by Wendell Berry. Retrieved from https://worldbeyondwar.org/wendellberry/
“The Distrust of Movements”
Citizenship
Several must exist for one to qualify as a U.S. citizen through naturalization. They include; being 18 years old or more, having resided in the country for the past five years, possession of a “green card,” proof of living in the state one is applying in, evidence of physical presence for 30 months, proficiency in English, foundational mastery of U.S. history, outstanding moral character, and espousal of the ideals of the U.S. constitution (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.).
Berry recognizes different dimensions of citizenship in reference to movements. The primary scope is a purpose, which is founded on the mandate of the institution or entity one supports. Citizenship must also be established on equal rights, be committed to the organization’s mission, and practice self-responsibility. Berry’s perspective and section 1 of the constitution’s 14th amendment differ in that the former regards citizenship as an element of self-initiative to achieve collective interests while the latter recognizes birth and dominion as the precursors.
Profound Failure of Imagination
Berry’s (1999) assertion that “we are involved now in a profound failure of imagination” relates to the simplistic outlook of money as the source and solution to all human problems. People fail to recognize the process through which such basic commodities as food, water, and shelter are produced, thus, ignoring their responsibilities to the environment. Such a notion relates to Berry’s dimensions of citizenship, which encourage people to be accountable as they pursue the goals of their movements. A chief condition for campaigns is the ability to follow multiple objectives that enable them to achieve a comprehensive answer and not single results. Such a perspective is premised on the holistic management of a problem rather than a “piece-meal.” Members of movements must also be responsible, taking the first-level initiative to correct identified problems. Finally, followers should focus on solving national issues from the grassroots by seeking the simplest of solutions rather than complex ones.
References
Berry, W. (1999, June 15). In distrust of movements. Retrieved from https://orionmagazine.org/article/in-distrust-of-movements/
Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Naturalization information. Retrieved from https://www.uscis.gov/citizenship/educators/naturalization-information#eligibility_reqmts