In her concession speech, Vice President Kamala Harris invoked one of the principles of solidarity when she encouraged Americans to continue fighting for the principles of her presidential campaign 'by looking in the face of a stranger and seeing a neighbor.' This quote encapsulates the essence of civic solidarity, urging citizens to bridge the gaps between themselves and others, fostering unity in diversity.
Providing for the common good is, however, distinct from political solidarity, which requires that people who want to act in solidarity with others 'work for social change to alter the conditions that create that suffering.' This statement emphasizes the active role individuals must play in achieving true solidarity, pushing against the status quo to create a more equitable society.
Thus, political solidarity is a form of 'existential commitment' to communities with whom one has been socialized to view as fundamentally different in some respect—for example, whether it is based on (but not limited to) ethnicity, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. This highlights the depth of connection required for political solidarity, as it transcends mere acknowledgment to encompass genuine investment in the welfare of diverse communities.
These analyses imply such blind spots as being typified by the phenomenon that Charles Mills and other subsequent scholars have called 'white ignorance.' Recognizing and addressing these blind spots is crucial for forging a path towards greater unity and mutual understanding, urging those in positions of power to examine their privileges and the impact of their perspectives.
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