Ms. Mohanty also says that in this era, “democratic citizenship appears to have been emptied of it participatory, egalitarian, and visionary meanings.”

Question

What does this mean?

And again, do you agree or disagree and why?

Answer 1

Ms. Mohanty's statement suggests that the concept of democratic citizenship has lost its essential qualities—participation, equality, and a vision for a better society. This can imply that people are not as actively involved in the democratic process as they should be, that there is increasing inequality in the political system, and that there may be a lack of a unifying, aspirational vision for a just and equitable society.

Meaning Explained:

1. Participatory: This refers to the active involvement of citizens in the democratic process, such as voting, attending town halls, engaging in public discussions, or participating in community activities. If democratic citizenship is "emptied" of this quality, it could mean that citizens are becoming passive, disengaged, or disillusioned, leading to lower participation rates in elections and civic activities.

2. Egalitarian: An egalitarian democracy promotes equal rights and opportunities for all citizens. If democratic citizenship lacks this quality, it could suggest that systemic inequalities (based on class, race, gender, etc.) are becoming more pronounced, resulting in marginalized groups having less access to political power and representation.

3. Visionary: A visionary approach to democratic citizenship involves striving for progressive change and a collective goal for society. If the meaning is emptied, it may indicate a lack of inspirational leaders or movements that champion inclusive and transformative ideals for society, leading to a focus on maintaining the status quo instead of aspiring to better conditions.

Agree or Disagree:

Whether one agrees or disagrees with this perspective might depend on observations about political engagement and representation in contemporary society.

• Agree: One might agree with Mohanty if they observe increasing political apathy, widening social inequalities, and a lack of collective dreams among citizens and leaders. They might see this as a troubling trend that requires reevaluation and revitalization of democratic practices to foster a more participative and equitable political environment.

• Disagree: Conversely, one might disagree and argue that while there are challenges, there are also numerous grassroots movements, community organizing, and technological advancements that enhance participation. They might point to increased awareness of social issues and activism as signs that democratic citizenship still holds its participatory and egalitarian values, even if they manifest differently in a rapidly changing world.

Ultimately, the agreement or disagreement might be influenced by personal experiences with civic engagement and perspectives on the current political landscape.