esult of such action, however, is further marginalization and fragmentation, as individual groups take on their own version of we versus they cynicism mentioned earlier, fueling more environmental stimuli which further alienates more and more individuals focused on group wants and needs over societal goals.Disrespect for Rule-Governed Practices of Democracy. Tied to the repercussions of rapid industrial growth is the growth of prosperity. Although on its face prosperity seems harmless, though excess, as with anything, creates its own set of difficulties. Wealth, by the power it bestows, deceives us into believing that we depend on ourselves only. Reducing the resistance we encounter from objects, it suggests the possibility of unlimited success against them. The less limited one feels, the more intolerable all limitation appears (Connolly & Gordon, 1974: 81). Furthermore, as was noted in a previous section, individuals, once having fulfilled lower-level needs, are often unable to relate to struggles necessary at previous need levels. For most Americans, the physiological and safety needs are automatically provided. This position means that for most Americans, the principles of Democracy that Elshtain refer to are of an irrelevant past they are an assumed privilege, the security of which is taken for granted.The focus instead becomes not of Democratic justice through the vote, but Democratic equality through governmental intervention; it is not freedom from oppression, but freedom to do whatever one desires without interference; not commitment to national unity, but commitment to everyones individual needs and desires each portrays a distinct way of viewing what is important for Democracy today because each begins from different need levels. When a womans individual right to participate in the political process had been denied, Democratic justice through the vote was sought. Once obtained, the issue became Democratic justice th...
