IDENTITY OR CULTURE
Concepts of identity or culture have been another basis for opposition to taking part in programs having international significance. Issues concerning these subjects frequently surface in today's world as it is presently organized into nation-states.
The people of some nations do in fact possess a stronger sense of national or cultural identity, and consequent independence, than in other places. Such people might thereby be more resistant to seeing their country become part of a universal entity. For example, in 1992 Swiss voters rejected, a plan by their government to begin the process of joining the European Union. And the people of Denmark, while indicating a belief that organizations like the European Union were necessary and useful, have at the same time expressed the belief that they consider their "extended identity" ought to be restricted to only that which can be referred to as "Scandinavian."
On the other hand, people with a strong sense of national or cultural identity frequently possess a substantial amount of sensible self-interest as well. Thus, when and if a movement toward unification should begin, it is probable that the potential for benefit--which will far outweigh the mere trading of a bit of nationalist or ethnic pride in exchange for worldwide peace, security, and progress--will impel a favorable response.
Moreover, peoples' individual cultures ought never themselves be tampered with or discouraged. Nor are attempts toward "homogenization" of such things an element of the process herein recommended. And so, any and all aspects of cultural identity or self-determination should remain and function undisturbed and unimpeded, within the security of a world no longer torn by national difficulties or conflicts. Further, if a uniform world civi;lization or culture did happen to eventually develop, it would likely happen to occur naturally, voluntarily, and probably quite slowly over a period of many years.
The French have been particularly vociferous in emanating protest and concern about preserving French culture and French identity. This protest has been directed at tendencies that have been in evidence in France of late, and in a number of other places as well, whereby American dress-styles have become popular among the younger set, American fast-food is consumed by them as well, and Hollywood is the preferred venue to cinema audiences. But these harmless temporary prefernces are not a "takeover" of French culture and identity by American culture and identity. Instead, in France, as well as a number of other places, they appear to be merely a willing absorption, where such phenomena have happened upon a means of entry, of current globally popular trends--many of which happen to originate in the United States. It does not appear to represent attempts by Americans to "force" American ways upon the European scene. Rather, it probably simply results from the fact that, at this point in time, America might still be the "economically dominant minority" within the "nation" that is the world. I would submit that a single world government, guiding the entire world on behalf of the entire world--which world would include America--would obviate any unjust advantage on the part of America, or any nation-state for that matter, within the functioning of world society.
There are even instances when a group of uniting entities will exclude some of their number for reasons possibly based upon culture or identity. For example, it was proposed to exclude Bosnia, Croatia, and Russia from the European Union, notwithstanding that this would result in a geographic "hole" in the Balkans, and an eastern border well short of Moscow. If this could take place among a group of somewhat related (European) entities who had therefore a rather plain purpose to unite, how much more so could there be opposition by nations in one part of the world to unification with nations located on the opposite side of the globe? But, though this would appear to be a major hurdle to that which I contemplate, it can, and hopefully would, be overcome when the objectors perceive themselves to be a distinct minority--espousing a point of view that is no longer valid in relation to what is proposed and sought to be accomplished; and, by their outdated opposition, improperly delaying world progress.
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