Abstract:
The paper uses the case study of the controversy regarding the construction of a mosque near the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Manhattan, New York, to analyze the different theoretical approaches to the concept of solidarity. It is argued that the presence of affectional solidarity which is based on feelings of caring, friendship and love was very limited in the case under study. Instead the primary form of solidarity present in the ground zero mosque debate was conventional solidarity, which is based primarily on common interests and concerns that are established through shared traditions and values. Nevertheless, conventional solidarity uses membership within a group to advocate for solidarity. In many instances however, people in need of solidarity might fall outside of the boundaries of “we,” and as a result limiting the utility of the approach. This is why the paper advocates for a revised form of Jodi Dean’s reflective solidarity, which is based on mutual responsibility toward each other despite our differences. It is argued that in its current form this approach is a normative universal ideal which holds great potential but is unclear, underspecified and impractical. However, by injecting some “realism” into this theoretical approach, reflective solidarity is superior to affectional and conventional approaches.
Machine summary:
ir) (Received: 5 Mar. 2017 Accepted: 8 Aug. 2017) Abstract The paper uses the case study of the controversy regarding the construction of a mosque near the site of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in Manhattan, New York, to analyze the different theoretical approaches to the concept of solidarity.
Introduction This paper uses the controversy surrounding the building of an Islamic cultural center near ground zero in New York, also knows as the “ground zero mosque”, to analyze the different forms of solidarity and their limits, and hopefully contribute to the development of a theoretical framework of solidarity that is non-excluding and suitable for the plural societies we live in.
4. The ground zero mosque controversy “Ground Zero Mosque” is the term used to describe the controversy surrounding the planed construction of a thirteen story Islamic community center at Park Place in lower A Theoretical Study of Solidarity in American Society: The Case of the “Ground Zero Mosque” Controversy Manhattan at a site that is currently a Muslim area of worship.
They also pointed out that the construction site had been a place of Muslim worship for many years and was only being rebuilt and upgraded, moreover Muslim religious facilities even existed in the World Trade A Theoretical Study of Solidarity in American Society: The Case of the “Ground Zero Mosque” Controversy Center before the attacks (Freedman, 2010).
” In the case of the ground zero mosque for example some Americans were in solidarity with the Muslim community because they were considered as “Americans” based on their citizenship.