Dictionary.com defines utilitarianism as “the ethical doctrine that virtue is based on utility, and that conduct should be directed toward promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest number of persons” (“The Definition of Utilitarianism”). However, how are all members within the Kansas City metropolitan area supposed to benefit from utilitarianism when minorities do not make-up a majority of the population? A modern day example of local utilitarianism is the shopping strip that is currently being built in Liberty, MO. Contractors are building unnecessary clothing and pet stores, despite there being similar businesses within the general vicinity. These types of buildings are commonly not built in Kansas City very often because contractors
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Utilitarianism plays a role in the liberal theory since it “provides guidance within [the] tradition for governmental decision making (Fainstein 37). In terms of equity, the majority population is at an advantage. Developers aim to please privileged individuals, which are primarily white families, because it aids in their comfort needs. These people never have to leave their segregated residential community, and do not have to witness the depressing reality that minorities face every day in the city. Also, developers do all they can to please white people, even if it drastically affects black people. This theory is accepting of the utilitarian view that “if some people lose their homes [that it is alright], as long as they receive compensation for their loss” (Fainstein 38). An example of this when 71 Highway, currently known as I-49, was built in Kansas City, MO. A majority of the people in the area of construction were low-income black families. Unfortunately, these families were not given an ultimatum, and not offered emotional assistance. In situations like this, how is satisfaction even measured after significant gains and …show more content…
because it tells us how good growth should be defined for a city. In the chapter, Fainstein says that it is necessary for individuals to recognize their own beliefs, so that a group does not define who they are in the social and political world (Fainstein 43). Benner and Pastor say “restoring a sense of common destiny – in which first metros and then the nation become more connected across income, race, and place…” are steps needed in order to establish growth (Benner and Pastor). However, measuring growth is another story because no one is qualified to do that without oppressing another group. Treufaft states that growth can be achieved by educating people and ensuring that everyone is on similar economical and occupational level (Treufaft et al., 2011). A good city does not leave its people down when they need assistance the most. Its community members do not just get up and abandon the others just because they have
Utilitarianism plays a role in the liberal theory since it “provides guidance within [the] tradition for governmental decision making (Fainstein 37). In terms of equity, the majority population is at an advantage. Developers aim to please privileged individuals, which are primarily white families, because it aids in their comfort needs. These people never have to leave their segregated residential community, and do not have to witness the depressing reality that minorities face every day in the city. Also, developers do all they can to please white people, even if it drastically affects black people. This theory is accepting of the utilitarian view that “if some people lose their homes [that it is alright], as long as they receive compensation for their loss” (Fainstein 38). An example of this when 71 Highway, currently known as I-49, was built in Kansas City, MO. A majority of the people in the area of construction were low-income black families. Unfortunately, these families were not given an ultimatum, and not offered emotional assistance. In situations like this, how is satisfaction even measured after significant gains and …show more content…
because it tells us how good growth should be defined for a city. In the chapter, Fainstein says that it is necessary for individuals to recognize their own beliefs, so that a group does not define who they are in the social and political world (Fainstein 43). Benner and Pastor say “restoring a sense of common destiny – in which first metros and then the nation become more connected across income, race, and place…” are steps needed in order to establish growth (Benner and Pastor). However, measuring growth is another story because no one is qualified to do that without oppressing another group. Treufaft states that growth can be achieved by educating people and ensuring that everyone is on similar economical and occupational level (Treufaft et al., 2011). A good city does not leave its people down when they need assistance the most. Its community members do not just get up and abandon the others just because they have