Are Some Societies or Cultures Superior?
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Are some Societies or Cultures superior?
First let examine the definition of the word Egalitarianism, it is defined as:
Egalitarianism (derived from the word йgal, meaning equal or level) is the moral doctrine that people should be treated as equals, in some respect. Generally it applies to being held equal under the law, the church, and society at large.
Perhaps in its theoretical form, Egalitarianism affirms, promotes, and believes in equal political, economic opportunity, social, and civil rights for all people. In actual practice, one may be considered an egalitarian in most areas listed above, even if not subscribing to equality in every possible area of individual difference. For example, one might support equal rights in race matters but not in gender issues, or vice versa.
By contrast, a typical non-egalitarian would believe that people born into a more favorable gender, social caste, race or ethnicity should somehow be considered of greater worth or value, and hence be treated preferentially. Non-egalitarian thought and conduct often leads to injustice, resulting in such things as abuse of power, taking from others freedom, dignity, resources, and even life itself.
With that being said we can look back over the centuries and see how this has played out time and time again. Starting with Romans who thought all that was scared began and ended in Rome and really formed what is know as the class system in the world today. In more modern society the British and French felt their way was the only way and set out to spread their doctrines by conquering the world. Most recent was Hitler who thought he had the most superior race in Germany and that the Jews were the plague of the earth and needed to be eradicated. In comparison to the stark opposite of “all men are created equal”, are they really? The founding fathers might have coined the phrase and persuaded others to rally against the British in the name of Freedom and Equality for all. But in reality they allowed slavery to thrive in America, while the class system was well in place. Do you think Jefferson or Washington felt they were on the same level as their subordinates or slaves?
If you look at the animal kingdom, humans are the superior race, the top of the food chain per say. We are the most self sufficient and smartest of all land mammals. I think you can find this in society as well, take for example an Einstein or Edison. These two individuals were probably some the greatest minds of their time, possibly ever. Most people would perceive them as being far mentally superior to themselves or the average human being. Did that make them a superior based upon their abilities? Dont know, but some will argue that knowledge is power and power gives one a sense of superiority or dominance.