In September
of this year the people of Scotland will make their way to the polls and voice
their opinion on whether or not their country should become independent from
the rest of the United Kingdom. I find it interesting to look at the
motivations behind a vote for independence. Would a vote for independence
signify a calculated decision of the Scottish people, or would it symbolize a
decision based on beliefs and culture?
From my
perspective, I’d view an independence vote as a decision based on culture and
value commitments. I say this because there are so many questions about what an
independent Scotland will look like that it makes it hard to view a preference
for independence as based on calculated reasoning. Almost every aspect of an
independent Scotland, from national defense to the economy, raises significant concerns.
Based on that,
I believe most citizens in favor of independence are basing their decision on
values. Their national pride may lead them to vote to make Scotland independent
like it was hundreds of years ago regardless of what is truly best for the
country.
Perhaps I’m
wrong about the motivations for the average Scottish voter, but I do sincerely
hope that each vote for independence is based on a calculated and informed
decision rather than just “national pride.” The question of an independent
Scotland is too important to be solely based on values.
I would go as far to say that all political decisions are based upon cultural ideas which have a tendency to spark emotional responses. Rational thought rarely finds its way into political decisions. In the case of Scotland I think that there is no way they could not allow their cultural ideas and values drive their motivation for independence. I think if you have an area that has been controlled or even ruled by a third party for a long time that rational thought doesn't come into play when they make choices.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said though, independence is rarely a rational response. Look at the American independence from England. I would say that it is a very similar situation to what Scotland is facing with the exception that Scotland (at least this time) isn't fighting a war to try and gain its independence but is rather using more rational means of independence. So perhaps a Scottish independence is a cultural choice being made using rational means. Perhaps that is how choices are made, a little bit of emotional response and a little bit of rational thinking. If so I think it is important to note which one of the two is the more dominant part of the decision. With all that being said I would say that Scotland's path to independence is supported by cultural ideas rather than rational thought. Sorry if that is confusing or repetitive.