The Wild Cards

...so we call religion and ethnicity in understanding what are the greatest determinants of our opinions are in the world.

Yes, they are important. Race has framed the reasoning for slavery, caste systems, and supposed intelligence level. Religion has framed territorial rights, gender roles, and beliefs or lack of beliefs in equality.

However, I don't 100% believe that these are the overarching determinants of our views of the world. Perhaps, they determine it for many, but as we move into a more multicultural, globalized world, our relationships with those we are invested in become more important. Who was your neighbor growing up? Who was your teacher or your peer? Who gave you a chance for a better life?

I think that personal relationships are beginning to hold much more value in our lives as we marry and live outside of our religion and ethnicity. This is obviously not true in all parts of the world as of now (the Middle East being a prime example of this). However, this is only true, because their level of exposure to those not as similar as themselves during their formative years of childhood was not as high, if even existent. However, if a Kurd who grew up in Northern Turkey with distant family, has his closest relatives in the Iraqi area, he may not show the same amount of compassion to them (even though they are more similar) than to the people he grew up near. Yes, these Kurds in Turkey share his/her religion and ethnicity, but their personal bond could bind them tighter.

Also, when examining our class scenarios, I have a fairly clear opinion:
If the Queen of England and the Pope both arrive in Washington D.C. at the same time, who gets to meet with Obama?
The Pope- as a leader of Europe who has a more direct international impact, politics is what determines importance
If the Pope and the leader of Israel both arrive in Washington D.C. at the same time, who gets to meet with Obama?
The Pope- even more so here, because not only does he have a more political impact, but Israel is extremely dependent upon the U.S. economically
If the Pope and Obama both arrive in Israel at the same time, who gets to meet with the leader of Israel?
The Pope- Obama has more political and economic influence, but he does not have as much political respect across the globe.

So now you're wondering, how do I not strongly see religion as the main factor? I do see it as one but not all-encompassing. I believe it is not purely for the Pope's religious influence that he is near the forefront of the visitors. I believe it is because of his influence across the world as well as his ability  of creating peace and compromise. His religion influences this, but the results of his religion are why many respect him.