Does everybody matter?

In Appiah’s Cosmopolitanism, there is much talk of the importance of cultural understanding. Does everybody matter in his definition of cosmopolitanism? If there is one concept that this author wishes to drive home in this book, it is without a doubt that every person matters, no culture has moral superiority to another, and in order to have positive global relations, a greater cultural understanding must be achieved. The first step in achieving this goal of global understanding and harmony is awareness. The ignorance that pervades our society and the world as a whole is responsible for the majority of clashes within different religions and governments. However it does not simply take a well-informed traveler to be a cosmopolitan. Appiah describes instances of travelers and anthropologists that maintain their prejudices and judgments despite their awareness. They assert a superior view as an anthropologist, but do not attempt to put themselves in the shoes of others. The ultimate goal of a true cosmopolitan would be that this understanding would lead to conversation, and this world society could communicate its differences and continually confront them with an open mind.

When it comes to supply chains for large corporations, it is a sticky subject for Americans. From a cosmopolitan view, it’s unethical for companies to use unfair labor practices or outsource their labor in less fortunate countries. It’s unethical as a citizen to support businesses who misuse people for the sake of profit. However, these companies are able to get away with this because of the ignorance on the consumer’s part. As a consumer, I try to pay more attention to where I spend my money. I would prefer to only shop at the organic grocery stores or mom and pop shops, but even as an informed citizen I oftentimes opt for convenience over conviction. These supply chains enable large corporations to sell goods at a reduced price, and as a student I fall into that trap.