\u201cModern liberal democracies promise and largely deliver a minimal degree of equal respect, embodied in individual rights, the rule of law, and the franchise. What this does not guarantee is that people in a democracy will be equally respected in practice, particularly members of groups with a history of marginalization.\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n Fukuyama further discusses these marginalized groups:<\/p>\n \u201cYet the story is more complicated than that. Contemporary identity politics is driven by the quest for equal recognition by groups that have been marginalized by their societies. But that desire for equal recognition can easily slide over into a demand for recognition of the group\u2019s superiority. This is a large part of the story of nationalism and national identity, as well as certain forms of extremist religious politics today.\u201d[2]<\/a><\/p>\n The marginalization of certain groups and the fight for equality has led to some of the extremism we see in American politics. I know many liberals who are staunchly against anyone who voted for Donald Trump. They perceive these conservatives as a threat to democracy. They want nothing to do with anyone who is against abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, or many of the core values of conservative Christians.\u00a0 What they miss in this stance is that they are showing the same intolerance which they accuse others of having.<\/p>\n Fukuyama addresses this when discussing the tension between isothymia and megalothymia.<\/p>\n \u201cThe view that self-esteem is based on an individual\u2019s ability to follow certain substantive social rules \u2013 to possess virtues<\/em> \u2013 is a much more traditional understanding of human dignity. But since not everyone is virtuous, this understanding of esteem stands at odds with the report\u2019s desire to affirm everyone\u2019s intrinsic worth.\u201d[3]<\/a><\/p>\n This dichotomy between intrinsic worth and virtuosity highlights the divide. How does this divide impact current politics? At what point does the cause of the marginalized go too far? When does the pendulum find balance in the middle? There needs to be a swing to the side of the marginalized before a balance is achieved, but is that possible? Both sides often react out of fear. This exacerbates the problem. What happens when the majority or the non-marginalized revolts against the fight for equality?<\/p>\n I do not have any answers to ongoing tension in politics. There are no easy answers. Both sides need to let go of the extremism and come to a place where they are willing to enter conversation with one another. I do not know what the next election or the future will hold for my country, but I will continue to look beyond politics and remind myself that we are all children of God. I will continue to love my neighbor.<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Francis Fukuyama, Identity: The Demand for Dignity and the Politics of Resentment<\/em>. (New York: Picador, 2018), xiii.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.georgefox.edu\/dlgp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Neighbor-250x300.jpeg\")
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