So what is a democracy? A democracy is a government by the people, it can be direct or indirect input from the people. The idea of it has developed to the concept that the power is invested in a group that represents the majority of the people, most commonly chosen through elections.
So, through this definition we have a democracy, right? Sociologist use two perspectives to look at this topic. One, with a pluralist perspective that answers yes, or an elitist perspective that says no we do not live in a democracy.
Pluralist believe that the power lies in the hands of the people through representation. People have input in this society because they have the freedom to organize, run for an office, and vote. Access to information, such as news, is another attribute needed to have a democracy. People can affect legislation by the use of interest groups or lobbying, this is a freedom that stands on the platform of knowledge.
The Elitist perspective argues that democracy does not exist, it is an illusion in this country, power is concentrated in the hands of an elite. If you want to study power don’t study politics, study the rich and the people outside of the politics such as corporations. In this structure people are powerless.
Personally, I go back and forth between the two perspectives. I feel that we do have a democracy, if people want the power they can have it, but most citizens give the power up. We chose to let our voting rates drop, and to watch American Idol rather then the news. We are consumed with our own lives, so much that we forget who or what runs them. Through these actions and choices we leave ourselves vulnerable to the elite. Today our representation does not represent the majority, but only the minority who chose to vote. Middle aged white men our are legislatures not because the people love them, but because they have incomes other then the insignificant salaries of legislatures. I mean if Leslie wants to be mayor of Austin, why can't he? Yet, he was able to get more votes than some of the other unsuccessful candidates because he got the attention of the people. Now, it does not matter if they are democrat or republican once they take office their platforms that they used to conquer the voters with all crumble to the same pile. Why, is the Texas Constitution in shambles even though over the years both parties have had their chance to make the difference. I feel that legislation is put off until the last ten days of secession so that legislators do not have to make the choice of offending any big business or valuable outside influence. Recently, the
state education board approved new science standards. I feel that this action does not benefit the people, who all have different beliefs and cultures, that this action farther confuses young students. I think that this policy will benift the publishers, which leads me to my example of an elite society.
I must say, I've read quite a number of blogs from my classmates over the last 2 semesters at this school, but I am truly moved by this particular example. The blog name is, "Is it really a democracy, and if so who is in control?" Not only did the author bring to light the selfish attitude of the citizens of this country, she also concluded that they voluntarily give the right to choose away in preference of entertainment and leisure. If you want to study power, study the corporate model. Really fantastic comparison. She finishes the article with the statement that she lives in an elitist society, where the power, and consequently, opportunities are concentrated in the hands of the few.
ReplyDeleteI am very impressed with the articulate manner the author put her thought into order. The post is very streamlined and very easy to read and understand. Examples are used appropriately, and with cause. She gives the definition of a democracy so that she can compare the US to the ideal model, only to find it is not even close anymore. It is true that we do not live in a democracy. When 40% of the wealth is controlled by 1% of the population, how can we? How can ordinary people rise up and claim that they had an equal shot at the top, when they are shooting for half the pie? How can the average citizen rise up to realize their full potential when they have limited resources at hand? I hear people call the US a republic instead of a democracy, and feel this definition is much more accurate. The country is indeed ran by a small handful of people with extraordinary connections and seemingly endless power. These captains of industry lobby our government into it's own political agenda. And by doing nothing, the American republic lets it happen. No wonder there is so much corruption in the country! If the candidate with the most money usually wins, then all these gigantic businesses would have to do is fund a person whom they wish to be in office, and there you have it! It doesn't help much that people rarely vote, and when they do, they think they only have 2 choices of people on the ballot.
It's indeed a sad day when the people would rather watch American idol, over resisting the sheeping the wolves are trying to put on them. Is it only a matter of time until those at the top stop pretending that people have a vote and just install a military dictatorship? With the massive military budget, it isn't that far fetched anymore. They say history repeats itself. I say, look back at Nazi Germany, and see how it began. It is only a matter of time before the same thing happens to this country. Good post, good argument, good sight.