the ethics of difference

Submitted by ashraf (United States), Nov 6, 2008 at 20:37

Being different is a logical conclusion of the difference of our genes, environment , education and

scores of other social and cultural factors. What is problematic here is our respect of the other's right to

be different. The racist policies against the blacks stemmed from such problematic views of the other.

Obama's electoral success was unimaginable out of the same considerations. He is different becuse

he wears a different skin. Even worse, he is an ex Muslim. It is hard to tell whether his connections to

Islam or Iraqi money is a sin, or these links - if they exist - are intended to tarnish his image, only

because he is different. It is the politicized identification with values that sets us apart - even in the

most unethical way. When evaluation is predetermined, then Obama is not only an accomplished liar

and a sinner. He should seem so whether this judgment is legitimized or not.

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