Globalization Challenges Feelings of National Belonging, Excites Fears

 
Highlighting the need to resist the politically motivated discourse of certain politicians who play on xenophobia to excite fear in the minds of a populace. Excerpt from comment in The Guardian by Ian Buruma, 8 May 2010.

Without discussion, democracy is doomed

The first principle of democracy is that government must be based on popular consent, even if the government is made up of parties for which many people did not vote. It is clear from the worldwide rage against elected governments that this consent is becoming dangerously threadbare. More and more people in democratic countries feel unrepresented, anxious, and angry. And they blame the elites.

The phenomenon is worldwide, but its causes differ from country to country. ...

In Europe, the power of the European Union, often-uncontrolled immigration, and economic globalisation are challenging feelings of national belonging, of being represented by national governments, or of sharing national cultures. Demagogues who denounce multiculturalism and warn of the "Islamisation" of the west are exploiting the resultant fears about the loss of national identity.

The sense that globalisation is creating new classes of haves and have-nots is a factor that inflames most current forms of populism, regardless of national differences. At the same time, new technology, without which globalisation would not be possible, is being used to mobilise people for populist causes, too. ...

What people crave in uncertain times is strong leadership from charismatic figures who promise to sweep the stables, get rid of corruption, and stand up for the little man against selfish politicians and against foreigners who threaten us with strange habits and religions. Such times are dangerous for democracy, because they endanger popular consent to democratic governments.
164-5

Read the full article here.

Dictum:

Passivity is bred by the forces of society today. A desire to be entertained is nurtured from childhood, with increasing efficiency, cultivating generations willing to be led by whoever proves skilful at appealing to superficial emotions. ... (Ridvan 2010 message of the Universal House of Justice)