Consuelo Martinez HO 4301 Dr. Kaczkowski RW# 1 Huntington & Ratzinger Samuel P.

. Huntington and Joseph Ratzinger both try to communicate the meaning of culture by relating in relations to events in history and its implications for the future. Huntington uses past conflicts between civilizations to usher in the next conflict. While Ratzinger uses the evolution of Europe to discuss culture and the future implications. Huntington uses the term civilization to discuss a cultural entity which is defined by common objective elements. In the past conflicts between civilizations have not been about culture, the first conflicts were for economic reasons which then yielded ideological conflicts and now culture conflicts will play an increasing role in the future clash between civilizations. Six reasons why cultural conflict is the next stage of rivalry are: The differences in civilizations are the product of centuries and therefore cannot easily be squashed. Globalization has made the world a smaller place causing more interaction between civilizations. People are being separated from longstanding local identities because of economic modernization. The growth of civilization-consciousness is enhanced by the dual role of the West. Cultural differences and characteristics are less easily compromised and resolve than political or economic ones. Increasing economic regionalism. Huntington is not saying that there will be a conflict and violence; he is simply arguing that if there is another conflict between the civilizations is will be because of some cultural aspect. Ratzinger discusses the concept of culture by illustrating the changing identity of Europe throughout history. He starts out be posing the question, What is the true definition of Europe? and by taking the reader though a succinct history of the changing boundaries of Europe, the term Europe becomes defined by its historical and cultural identity rather than a geographic construct. According to Ratzinger, Europe tried to become westernized but in doing so has lost its roots and so lost its identity, how it is defined. By losing its identity Europe, the original Europe, ceases to exist and is replaced by the New Europe one in which there is a lack of desire for the future. In order to not lose Europe, Ratzinger says that their heritage of the scared, religion must be embraced. I find that I identify more with Huntington rather than Ratzinger. The next conflict between the civilizations will be about culture, it is already happening now with the war in Iraq. Globalization and technology has made the world a smaller place and countries are becoming more dependent on each other especially economically. Because of globalization, there really is only one big market so the opportunity for conflict does not exist its the same with ideologies. The one thing that there is an abundance of and that vary widely is culture and with the increasing interaction between the cultures the chances of one culture stepping on the toes of another is highly likely. It is possible to

live together with the different cultures without conflict it we were to respect the others views without judgment but that is nearly impossible. One culture will always think it is superior to another and try to impose upon another culture causing the other culture to retaliate. So yes the next conflict will be about culture. My problem with Ratzinger is that he seems to be objective to change. For him Europe was defined by it evolution to the present and now with religion becoming less important than it used to be he is saying we need to revert back to the past to keep things the way it was. I believe everything is about change; the only thing that doesnt change is change. Just because religion is not as prominent a cultural identity as it once was doesnt mean it needs to be brought back or our future will be less for it. I am not a very religious person, I have my catholic beliefs but I dont feel the need to go to church every Sunday and not attending church does not make me a lesser person. I am still looking to my future and accomplishing my goals. Change is a part of life without change there can be no progress and by holding onto the roots/religion it seems to me like taking a step back. And I dont see a problem with creating something new.