We're kind of generalizing here, but historically in American politics, Democrats tend to place more emphasis on community while Republicans tend to place more emphasis on individuality. Both are quintessential American values, and both affect how people think about political issues. Should people navigate the world freely as individuals or sacrifice some of their own interests to help each other out?
After the financial crisis of 2008 hit, even conservative folks were more open to the idea of using government spending to lift people up. In his inaugural address, Obama advertises community and unity between the political parties as solutions to the economic crisis, and a bunch of other domestic and foreign policy issues, too.
Questions About Community
- Obama campaigned on the idea of changing the culture of Washington to promote unity between Republicans and Democrats. Do you think he achieved this goal?
- Which value is more important to you: individualism or community?
- People often help each other financially during difficult times. You know, like that time your Aunt Linda bought 75 boxes of Thin Mints so your Girl Scouts troop could go to SeaWorld. Should the federal government provide aid for citizens in need?
- What is the definition of a "community"? Could a "community" encompass an entire nation of people, or even the entire world?
Chew on This
Obama's inaugural address evokes the idea of unity through diversity, which resonated with many Americans and alienated others.
By downplaying the importance of the size of government, Obama tries to get the country to think of itself as a unified team, greater than the sum of its separate parts.