Comparison Of Major Theme Of Eric Schlosser And Martha Nussbaum
Nussbaum believes that some of the most “basic elements of the quality of life – health, education, political liberty, and participation in employment, self-respect, and life itself” are denied to women many ways in both Western and Non-Western cultures. Eric Schlosser and Martha Nussbaum would agree that globalization has a negative effect and does not take into account the respect for or the rights of an individual. Eric Schlosser, opponent of globalization would against globalization in that the identity of individual and cultures lost in processes that seek to make everything and everyone the same.
Martha Nussbaum would support Eric Schlosser by saying that “it is necessary to cultivate…to imagine what it is like to be in the shoes of someone who’s different form yourself” (Nussbaum, p. 357). Both Schlosser and Nussbaum would say that one cannot impose a system or industry, etc. on everyone everywhere and respect the rights of the individual. To respect the rights of the individual anyone or any system must value individual qualities. So, what type of solution is there for an oppressed world losing its individuality, losing individual rights, and others struggling for the same rights guaranteed for others of a different race, sex, gender, ability, culture, or social status?
Through Nussbaum’s essay she specifically emphasizes the authority people have that goes unnoticed. This is paralleled in the story of Plauen by Schlosser. The first step in fighting oppression is to ban together for a common cause. This is what people did in Plauen when they demanded change against the German Government and the Berlin wall came down. Together people accomplish more. The next step must be strategic world-wide using the capabilities approach as recommended by Nussbaum. This approach, known as essentialism or cultural universalism, examines how people are functioning, focuses the components and functions of the individual that are worth the most care and attention, which will indelibly include respect for and equality in individual human rights with the most basic of human dignities and respect at its core.
Each writer passionately addresses the problems of oppression in the world as inflicted upon individuals (Nussbaum) or individuals and cultures (Schlosser) by conservative and ideological institutions, whether they be countries, cultures, or businesses (e.g. consumerism, Schlosser). Nussbaum approaches her agenda for human rights primarily through the suffrage of women world-wide, as evidenced in her writing and life’s work. Schlosser subtly yet, candidly exposes the harsh realities of global realization and its impact upon individuals, cultures, and societies through the telling of stories with an ulterior motive.
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