Answering Questions Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 8

Answering Questions - Research Paper Example According to Taylor, there are two ways to maintain the sense of intense solidarity. The first way deals with the â€Å"older modes of solidarity†. Republican secularism in France, according to Taylor’s example, is â€Å"erecting a dam against Muslim immigrants†. This is ineffective and represents the first way. The second way is to redefine identity â€Å"in dialogue with some elements that are external, and some that are internal†. In Taylor’s opinion this means to preserve traditions, start dialog with foreigners, and form the political ethic upon human rights. Thus, different groups of people must unite in the desire to preserve solidarity. It will happen if â€Å"Christians see it as central to their Christianity, if Muslims see it as central to their Islam, and if the various kinds of lay philosophies see it as central to their philosophies†. The ultimate goal is to create a powerful political ethic of solidarity based upon the presence and acceptance of very different views. Northop Frye, in his turn, also speaks of solidarity, but his opinion is a bit different. First of all, the author distinguishes between the national identity and national unity: â€Å"identity is local and regional, rooted in the imagination and in works of culture; unity is national in reference, international in perspective, and rooted in a political feeling†. The author condemns uniformity, when people â€Å"use the same cliches, thinks alike and behave alike†. The result of such uniformity will be a society â€Å"which seems comfortable at first but is totally lacking in human dignity†. What the author considers to be a â€Å"real unity† is tolerating dissent and rejoicing in variety of outlook and tradition, recognizing that it is man’s destiny to unite and not divide. It is possible to see that both authors support the idea of preserving the traditions of different cultures inside one