He argues that identity is determined by the question one asks about this type of punishment: “do people deserve to be killed for the crimes they commit?” or “do we deserve to kill?” Stevenson continues to argue that everyone's humanity depends on each other. Each person's identity merges to form the nation's identity, so being inhuman can easily become contagious throughout the country. Similarly, Stevenson agrees with Germany's position on the death penalty. Due to past events in its own nation, Germany “cannot engage in systematic murder” because it is considered “unconscionable.” The United States has experienced disturbing events in the past that should lead the nation to also view the death penalty as inhumane and immoral, however, because it is not seen as such, the nation's positive identity is in danger.