Alternative Questions Coulmas 8-11
What part of Freud's triad identifies most with religion and the need for religious institutions?
What is what is known as the "mother tongue" and what nationalistic tendencies does it convey?
What does the story "The Odyssey" teach us about identity in literature?
Alternative Discussion Questions Coulmas 8-11
Were you ever disappointed with someone you placed on a pedestal.? Did this truth
make you question the qualities you identify with or admire in other individuals?
What are the factors that cause many people to call for an "English Only" language exclusiveness in the United States?
Much can be said about identity and it's role in the characters of Victor Hugo's "Les
Miserables". Javert was a man driven by duty at all cost. Instead of
admired, he was hated. Why might blind devotion to duty illicit hatred
of such a character?
"Were you ever disappointed with someone you placed on a pedestal.?" Ever since I read "Ball Four" by Jim Bouton at about age 12, and learned of the random crudities, vulgarities, and asininities of ballplayers, I've tried not to place humans on pedestals. But I've still valued qualities of decency, dignity, wisdom etc. So I guess I'd answer that human fallibility only reinforces my sense that we MUST aspire to greatness, or at least goodness.
ReplyDelete"Why might blind devotion to duty illicit hatred of such a character?" Blind devotion to duty can de-sensitize us to the suffering of others, and to our obligation to alleviate it when we can. The Kantian who refuses to lie to the Nazi, from a sense of duty to literal and unexceptionable truth, deserves our ire.
Yes, I I think my phrasing is weak on that that mentions pedestal...maybe should read someone you admired. I too learned early on that part of being human is being foible and I have an immediate distrust for someone that presents themselves as being above reproach. Humility is a commodity overlooked may times these days.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. On or off a pedestal, even the most admirable humans possess feet of clay. It's not wrong to have heroes, we just need to remember that no one is perfect. No one perfectly embodies Platonic Ideals of goodness, courage, wisdom, temperance etc. etc - but, some do better than others.
DeleteAnd, it's important not to conflate the objects of our admiration: I can admire Mickey Mantle for his ability to hit a baseball, but not for his lascivious ogling of women, indulgence in alcohol,and certainly not for his political opinions. I can admire Bruce Springsteen's musicianship and showmanship... but come to think of it, having read his memoir and seen his stage show, I also admire his worldview. BUT, and this is crucial: I don't admire his worldview BECAUSE I enjoy his music, but in addition... because it appeals to my own sensibility and worldview. If you like Ted Nugent (why??!!), and Ted likes Drumpf, that's NOT a good reason to support Drumpf. Obviously, right?
Huge Springsteen fan! I feel like my identifying with his lyrics helped me rise above the trappings of my small hometown when I was young and I certainly admire his world view as we as that if Peter Gabriel.
ReplyDelete