Karalynn Schneck: McKee Introduction

In this introduction, McKee attempts to address the attitudinal argument about the worth of cultural difference versus an established set of rules to breed equality. It is obvious that the author leans more towards the postmodern view on cultural difference, which postulates that each culture has equal value in the public sphere: "different groups think and communicate differently about issues and we should respect that" (McKee 17). Proponents of the modern attitude have come to the conclusion that a focus on cultural difference is problematic because it divides people instead of uniting them, takes attention away from the importance of changing legislature and instead spotlights changing culture, and these new forms of culture are less worthy and don't seek to unite people under Enlightenment ideals (McKee 28-29). I think the author has chosen a very interesting and controversial subject to address. Part of me leans toward the modern attitude that cultural difference leads to fragmentation and decay, and yet I have a hard time believing in a Nazi-like set of rules to suppress individuality and cultural beauty. I recognize that I have been highly influenced as of late by the ideals of the Romantic period, which champions individuality over Borg-like conformity, nature over institutions, etc. I see a lot about this subject in Star Trek's alien society "The Borg."

I am interested and frustrated with the concerns about the public sphere mainly because they are so complex: the trivialization, commercialization, spectacle, fragmentation, and apathy that characterize today's public sphere worry me, and I look forward to McKee's arguments, conclusions, and hopefully his solutions to these issues. I often feel a sense of hopelessness and despair (as we discussed last class) over the pluralism and fragmentation of the modern world, but I am at a loss as to whether the modern or postmodern mindset is the most appropriate in solving our problems. I look forward to what McKee has to offer.