After reading Anderson’s “The Cosmopolitan Canopy,” I realize that Appiah’s “Cosmopolitanism” definitely helped me better understand the concept of “The Cosmopolitan Canopy.” Reading cosmopolitanism helped me have a better view of (…well the title and its purpose) cosmopolitanism. I learned to have more of a cosmopolitan view of things. In the cosmopolitan canopy, the writers purpose is similar, he wishes for a more cosmopolitan world. He finds a cosmopolitan vibe in places such as the Reading Terminal, a certain jazz club, and some other examples. In these places it is people, getting along, accepting one another for who that person is. And as Appiah suggests, they do not necessarily agree, but they do try to understand. It is because of Cosmopolitanism that I can interpret the meaning of the Cosmopolitan Canopy. If I did not understand the full meaning behind cosmopolitanism, then I might just think that it’s a couple races dealing with each other being in the same place as them. But it is more. These multicultural people under these canopies feel less anxiety, they let their guard down, and they even might feel safer. They strike up a conversation with someone of another race, which they might not normally do. They feel likes its okay to approach so and so person. It is from understanding Appiah’s reasoning that I can get this. Appiah tells us that we must know our obligations to others, and respect each other’s values. It is clear that in these places like the Reading Terminal that they do just that… (know the obligations and respect of values). And the obligations do not have to be a great one. Just small things that one does not normally do when they are feeling threatened or do not approve of someone else because of their race. So in conclusion, Appiah’s explanation of cosmopolitanism is definitely a good one. I can see all the things Appiah explained happening in these cosmopolitan canopies. (which thus helps me better understand where Anderson is coming from and what kind of view I should have on the situation overall). If we could get more of these cosmopolitan canopies across the world, even outside the canopy, then It would be a giant step closer to having universal understanding. (Although I don’t think it will happen any time soon lol).
Gracias :)
-This is Reecie
peace out
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2 comments:
I like how you mention that the environment of the canopies allows individuals to feel comfortable and let their guards down. It is then that they are able to connect with each other and exchange beliefs and values.
When you mentioned how people underneath the Cosmopolitan Canopy aren't just "dealing with each other," it reminded me of the difference between small talk and actually trying to understand someone. I think that there's a difference. By small talk, I mean simply greeting another person, or asking the basic questions such as where they're from and how old they are.In a Cosmopolitan Canopy, perhaps you have conversations on a more deep and intimate level than small talk can accomplish. Not that small talk isn't neccesary. It helps us to "get used" to one another, and to keep up with the friends we already have. In a world this big, it would be difficult to communicate on an intimate level with everyone at once. What do you think about the importance of small talk?
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