Everywhere society is in a whirlwind. What we deem necessary for change and progression has seemed to take us further in reverse into traditionalism and oftentimes into religious extremism. Has democratization and globalization brought harmony or are we in the midst of the "clash of civilizations"?

It is difficult to realize the existence of a true conflict amongst us when the media is quick to show such harmonious images of democracy and the work of market capitalism and in contrast show the destitute of those still living under authoritarian rule and without free markets. Growing up between these two realms, between the glorious riches of the United States and the backwardness of the Arab world, it has become easy to identify the gulf between the East and the West. Regardless of how one may attempt to reconcile the differences, it is certain that between East and West there are immense political realities that make difficult the existence of these two dissimilar worlds on one planet at least until one falls prey to the other.

I've often heard Americans exclaim, "Why do they hate us?" and Arabs wonder why Americans just don't get it. The West has since the Age of Imperialism held a superior position to those colonized in the East. The East has since the end of imperialism felt victimized by the West and taken for granted. The peoples themselves cannot come to grasp the basic differences of culture, language, and religion.

Globalization and the quest for democracy, often means immense Western influence in dependent regions such as the Middle East. In its American form, Western influence comes in the form of arch-shaped corporate empires and manifest in ideas progressed in popular film, music, and fashion. Today, the Middle East is host to the most progressive media it has ever seen, but it is overshadowed by a society which continues to push for Islamic revival to combat Western influence. Hence, the modern day inhabitant of the region is not only confused in how to address the changes around them, but forced into hypocrisy so as to be one with the mainstream masses who support America's influence, but at the same time fear its long-term effects.

In the West today there exists a common belief that Western influence is not only desired, but sought after by governments and peoples alike. This understanding forces the Western mind to continue to place itself in its own positional superiority and to inferiorize other nations. Hence, their traditions are "uncivilized" and their culture and beliefs are in need of modernization. This chauvinism is as rampant today and has become embedded into the political agenda of various fringe groups. Just as extremism has been sought in Islam to come to terms with Western influence, so has radicalism in the Right taken form to protect against the inevitability of change that comes with extending one's influence to other nations.

Just as France today suffers from its colonial past with its rising unemployment and its right wing movement aimed at the masses of Muslim immigrants in the nation, so too has America been dealing with the vicious attacks of September 11, 2001. This time the conflict seems much greater as it transcends national borders and is represented in ideals. When some argue that Islam is under attack and others counter the threat with an attack against the ideals of America, it is evidence of a greater conflict at hand. Are we to argue with the forces of change compelling the world namely globalization and democracy? Do nations have the right to choose how they view the onset of these new phenomena or how they combat their force if they so prefer? Answers to these questions are differential, but in the conflict between East and West can only be understood if one comes to the realization that there are differences amongst us. What unites us is our humanity. Are we so blind so as to believe that this is not sufficient?

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Jan. 25 2005.