Hello everybody! Today's class was nice in that we got to sit outside. Our group discussed multiple situations in which we have witnessed testimonial injustice or prejudice. We discussed how children's credibility is often times undermined. Despite the fact that children raise good questions and pose good thoughts, we, as adults, tend to think what they say is unimportant. One person talked about how a night out with her honor society led to an incident of testimonial injustice, in that she and her group were accused of stealing salt and pepper from a restaurant, simply because they were teenagers. These were a group of academically successful teenagers. The Green Mile is a movie that portrays testimonial injustice rather well. An African American man with healing powers is executed for "killing two young girls," when in actuality he was trying to save them. We discussed how looks and first impressions can definitely leave an everlasting impression of the person's character. We must learn to keep an open mind and let our minds be swayed by what the individual is actually delivering to us (his knowledge). Although testimonial injustice may very well be a natural reaction, we must learn to block it out. One person talked about a time at work when a bunch of "pot heads" came in to eat, nobody wanted to serve them because they felt the kids wouldn't tip them. Amanda took the table and ended up getting a $38 dollar tip. Never judge a book by its cover.
Below are the FIVE QUESTIONS we have come up with. We took one from each chapter.
1) According to Julian Savulescu, certain "Yuk" factors may have biological advantages.
True/False
2) What issue did Simon Blackburn focus much of his thought on?
A. friendship
B. Cosmopolitanism
C. Moral Relativity
D. animals
E. none of the above
3) According to Sandel, genetic enhancement should only be used for better health and ______.
A. Wealth
B. Safety
C. popularity
D. cosmetic purposes
E. All of the above
4) Which philosopher discussed the importance of friendship?
A. Nehemas
B. Sandel
C. Locke
D. Blackburn
E. Plato
5) Kwame Anthony Appiah would argue that all people are essentially the same. True or False?
Arielle Roides (Section 13; Group 4-PHIL 1030)
Testimonial injustice is a rather rampant, although usually unintentional or unrecognized, offense. Talking in the sunshine about it was pleasant, and I think we were all able to delve deeper into what this philosophy is all about. Anne Phillips discusses another kind of oppression. The kind of oppression that eliminates the views of the minority due to the wider spread views of the majority. I think the integration of other cultures is fascinating. It would be great to see more of an accepting attitude in America seeing as we are supposed to be a multicultural melting pot anyway. I thought it was interesting that she pointed out that although a culture may be stereotyped as one thing, it should be obvious that not everyone in that cultural sphere is like that. For example, maybe other countries view American culture as fat people who eat McDonald's all the time. I like to think of myself as not fat, and I definitely DO NOT like Mcdonald's. I think it's all a matter of being open minded and again, not quick to judge. In the case of cultural clashes, both cultures need to learn to give and take a little. If we all intend to occupy a community, we need to understand that compromise is necessary.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What is multiculturalism according to Phillips? (It is not ignoring or disparaging other peoples' cultures because their culture is important to them. If we live in a diverse society, we shouldn't expect others to adopt the majority groups values, practices, etc. We need to justify the public policies to be fair to all people groups.)
In our discussion on testimonial injustice, we discussed the various ways in which we have ourselves been discriminated against or seen discrimination around us. I remember Arielle sharing a story about her grandfather which I thought was a terrific example. He is a sweet, caring, and loving man who in an impulse decision got a tattoo and someone who was close to him and that knew and cared for him suggested he get it removed because others were beginning to see him differently, which is very unfair and discriminant. In our reading on multiculturalism by Phillips, we see some similar thoughts. She points out that most times, we expect everyone in a society or cultural group to agree with what the majority group thinks or believes. This is clearly evident in America. America has gained the metaphorical name ‘the melting pot’ for a reason. We are a big mix of countless varying cultures. However, most Americans are so prideful and think we, as a society, are ‘at the top’ and that everyone that resides in our country, or perhaps even a more broad view than that, should agree with and adhere to our ways, practices, values and beliefs. Phillips states, and I agree with her, that this should not be the case.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Phillips, is multiculturalism derived from more conservative or liberal principles? (Liberal)
In the interview, they wrestle with when children are considered ‘mature enough’ to decide certain things for themselves and when they no longer need protecting. What do you think about this? Where do you draw this foggy line?
--Natalie Ricketts
Unfortunately I was not able to make it to class for this discussion of testimonial injustice, but it appears that the group touched on all the points I would have brought up. I found the discussion of Multiculturalism in PB for class tomorrow to be very similar to the chapter discussing Cosmopolitanism, with many of the same problems being addressed by the interviewer and interviewee.
ReplyDeleteWhat critereon does Phillips suggest for banning certain cultural practices which may be harmful to their practitioners?
Do efforts to encourage multiculturalism tend to generalize and create stereotypes? Is it possible for every cultural paradigm to be adequately explained and respected?
Hey guys, sorry I've missed the last few classes, I got a little sick last week. The reading for this Tuesday was very interesting to me especially when Professor Anne Phillips mentioned that many people believe we should stop using the noun "culture." She explained further by stating that the word culture establishes a sense of unification and boundaries. Is this a bad thing? Do you think that the word "culture" should be avoided? Philips went on to say that rather than "culture" we should use the word "cultural." What do you think the difference is?
ReplyDeleteJust something to think about.
I don't really have much to say about the last discussion.
ReplyDeletewhen went outside which was nice and maybe made us more comfortible and talkative.